Real Madrid vs Arsenal simulated to predict Champions League quarter-final fate

Arsenal take a three-goal lead into their Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against Real Madrid later today, where only a major capitulation would see the Gunners knocked out of the competition.

Two incredible Declan Rice free-kicks followed by a Mikel Merino strike saw Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium last week, with the victory sending the Gunners into the quarter-final second leg with a huge three-goal advantage over the current Champions League holders. Despite the healthy lead, there are still some nerves, with Real Madrid one of the few teams who can enter a game three goals down and still have a feeling of confidence.

A 1-1 draw against Brentford at the weekend all but put an end to Arsenal's Premier League hopes with Liverpool also winning, so now, the Champions League is the outright priority for Mikel Arteta's side. Thomas Partey picked up a knock on the weekend, but the midfielder has travelled to Spain and is expected to be fit for the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

So, can Arsenal avoid a huge defeat and secure their spot in the Champions League semi-finals? We used EA FC 25 to get a score prediction.

Real Madrid vs Arsenal score predicted by simulation

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.

We predict that Real Madrid could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Tchouameni, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.

We predict that Arsenal could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.

As expected, Real Madrid were quick out the gates, with the hosts desperate for an early goal to try and work towards starting a comeback. Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe both had great chances in the opening five minutes of the game, but David Raya made two strong stops to deny the hosts.

After a frantic opening 10 minutes, Arsenal started to settle into the game, and after a period of possession, the Gunners silenced the Bernabeu by grabbing a goal of their own and going 4-0 ahead on aggregate.

Some good link-up play between Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka down the right set the latter free down the wing before curling an early cross into the box. Gabriel Martinelli beat two defenders to the ball to head towards goal, and despite a brilliant reaction save from Thibaut Courtois, the Brazilian was quickest to react and fire the rebound home to make it 1-0 on the night.

With Real now needing to score five goals, the hosts seemed to lose some confidence as they failed to register a shot on goal before half-time. In the second half, Arsenal set up extremely defensively, limiting Carlo Ancelotti's side to long-range shots.

In the 84th minute, the hosts managed to finally break the deadlock when Jude Bellingham turned Brahim Diaz's cross in at the front post, but it amounted to nothing as Arteta's side won on aggregate to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.

EA FC 25 predicted final score: Real Madrid 1-1 Arsenal (Arsenal win 4-1 on aggregate)

In the other quarter-final clash, Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park to secure a 6-2 aggregate win which would see the French side take on the Gunners in the Champions League semi-final.

What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!

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UEFA Champions League
Watch Real Madrid vs Arsenal on TNT Sports

Arsenal face Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 16.

The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, which costs £30.99 on a rolling monthly basis via the Discovery+ Prime Video channel and also includes the Europa League and Conference League.

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