The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals begin this Tuesday, with two exciting first-leg clashes set to take centre stage. Arsenal will host Real Madrid at the Emirates, while Bayern Munich welcome Inter Milan to the Allianz Arena. Both ties promise plenty of drama as these elite clubs battle for a spot in the semi-finals.
Before we dive into the match previews, here’s a quick look at the latest outright odds. Barcelona and PSG lead the market as joint-favourites at 33/10, with Real Madrid close behind at 15/4. Bayern Munich follow at 11/2, while Arsenal are priced at 15/2. All remaining contenders are currently listed at 10/1 or longer.
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ARSENAL v REAL MADRID – Click here to bet
Arsenal return to the continental spotlight on Tuesday evening as they host European royalty Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in what promises to be a blockbuster quarter-final first leg clash.
Mikel Arteta rotated his squad over the weekend, making five changes in the 1-1 draw against Everton—an indication of where his priorities lie. The Gunners remain firmly in contention for European football next season, and while winning the Premier League appears to be a bridge too far this campaign, they will look to secure a second consecutive runner-up finish. For now, though, all eyes are on Europe as they chase a maiden Champions League title
Their European campaign has been solid, losing just once on their way to the last eight. A convincing 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven in the previous round underlined their attacking intent, although the second leg at home did see them concede for the first time this campaign at the Emirates. With a difficult trip to the Bernabéu looming, Arsenal will be looking to make the most of home advantage on Tuesday.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, arrive in North London licking their wounds after a dramatic 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia—a result that saw them drop further behind Barcelona in LaLiga. Despite the setback, Carlo Ancelotti’s men remain a serious threat in Europe, where they’ve knocked out both Manchester City and Atlético Madrid en route to the quarter-finals. They cruised past City with a commanding 6-3 aggregate victory, before edging out city rivals Atlético in a far more intense affair that required penalties to settle.
However, the 15-time champions haven’t been at their best defensively on the road this season, keeping just one clean sheet away from home in Europe. Their pedigree is unquestionable, but a shaky rearguard may be tested by Arsenal’s dynamic front line.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first competitive meeting between Arsenal and Real Madrid since the 2005/06 Champions League Round of 16, where Arsenal famously won 1-0 on aggregate thanks to Thierry Henry’s iconic goal at the Bernabéu.
Betting
Arsenal 14/10
Draw 23/10
Real Madrid 85/40
Verdict
Arsenal and Real Madrid are two attacking powerhouses on their day, but Madrid’s defensive frailties could be exposed by the Gunners’ fluid attacking play. With both teams likely to create chances, this tie has all the hallmarks of a high-scoring affair. Home advantage may give Arsenal the edge, but expect both sides to find the net as they battle for supremacy.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 19/20
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BAYERN MUNICH v INTER MILAN – Click here to bet
The Allianz Arena sets the stage for a heavyweight showdown on Tuesday night as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich welcome Serie A pace-setters Inter Milan for the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
Vincent Kompany’s side made light work of Augsburg on Friday, cruising to a 3-1 win that kept them six points clear at the Bundesliga summit. With domestic business in check, their focus now shifts to reclaiming European glory.
Bayern’s Champions League campaign has gathered steam after a shaky group stage start. They stormed into the quarter-finals with a commanding 5-0 aggregate demolition of Bayer Leverkusen, and they’ve now won five of their six home games in Europe this season—scoring 18 goals in the process.
Inter Milan, however, arrive in Munich as one of the most organised and defensively resolute teams left in the competition. They were held to a 2-2 draw at Parma over the weekend—frustratingly squandering a two-goal advantage—but still sit top of the Serie A standings.
Simone Inzaghi’s men have conceded just two goals in ten Champions League outings, keeping nine clean sheets—a staggering record at this stage of the competition. Their strategy will be clear: remain compact, limit Bayern’s space, and strike when the opportunity arises. Having lost 1-0 away to Leverkusen earlier in the tournament, Inter will be eager to avoid another German stumble.
Head-to-Head
Bayern and Inter have faced each other seven times in the Champions League, with the German side holding the upper hand thanks to four victories. Their most recent competitive encounter came in 2022, when Bayern secured a 2-0 win in Munich.
Betting
Bayern Munich 1/1
Draw 26/10
Inter Milan 28/10
Verdict
This one could come down to who blinks first. Bayern are formidable at home, but Inter’s defensive organisation could frustrate them. A cagey first leg is likely, with Bayern perhaps edging it—but don’t expect fireworks just yet.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Bayern Munich at 1/1
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
