Why Arsenal will have to host back-to-back Real Madrid fixtures in the Champions League

Arsenal have encountered a rather special scenario where both the women’s and men’s teams will face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Gunners will host Los Blancos twice at the Emirates Stadium.

Renee Slegers' team have their first leg away from home on March 18, being hosted at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. However, Arsenal have made it so the Emirates Stadium will play host to the second leg on March 26.

Real Madrid Femenino are currently second in the Primera Division and finished as runners-up in their group behind WSL side Chelsea. Arsenal Women, meanwhile, were able to beat Bayern Munich to top spot which set up the tie.

Mikel Arteta’s side, meanwhile, will have to wait until April until they play Carlo Ancelotti, Kylian Mbappe and company. The Gunners will be hoping to pull off something of a Real Madrid double by progressing through to the semi-finals in both competitions.

Form has somewhat dipped for both teams, however with Slegers witnessing elimination from both the League and FA Cup in recent weeks, the Champions League is now the only realistic source of silverware for the season – much like for Mikel Arteta. The defeat to Liverpool at the weekend was marred by an individual making comments towards Reds’ Taylor Hinds.

football.london has been told that Arsenal are fully committed to supporting Hinds and are investigating ‘inappropriate comments’. Hinds came through the Arsenal academy and said, “I will not let the actions of one individual ruin what was a fantastic day for the team and our supporters, but it is not okay, and I was determined to make a stand.”

Arsenal Women take on Everton on Friday evening at Walton Hall Park, looking to get things back on track ahead of next week’s European clash. Mikel Arteta meanwhile sees his side take on Chelsea before a two-week-plus break from club action.

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