The UEFA Champions League returns tonight, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with the final two quarter-final second legs determining who progresses to the coveted semi-final stage. After last night’s drama saw Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona book their spots, tonight features European royalty facing daunting tasks and a finely poised battle between English, Spanish, Italian and German giants.
Real Madrid host Arsenal at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu needing to overturn a significant deficit, while Inter Milan welcome Bayern Munich to the San Siro holding a slender advantage. Expect high stakes, intense atmospheres, and potentially unforgettable European football drama. Both matches kick off simultaneously at 21:00 CET (10:00 PM EAT / 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET).
UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid vs Arsenal (Aggregate: 0-3) – Can Los Blancos Conjure Another Bernabéu Miracle?
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 10:00 PM EAT / 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET First Leg: Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid (April 8, 2025)
The biggest talking point tonight revolves around whether Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid can pull off one of their famous remontadas (comebacks). They trail Arsenal 3-0 after a stunning first-leg performance from the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, highlighted by two sensational free-kicks from Declan Rice and a Mikel Merino strike. It was a result that equalled Arsenal’s biggest-ever win against Spanish opposition in this competition and left the reigning champions shell-shocked.
The Stakes: For Real Madrid, the task is immense. They need to win by at least three goals just to force extra time against an Arsenal side renowned for its defensive discipline under Mikel Arteta. History is on Madrid’s side in terms of Bernabéu comebacks, but Arsenal haven’t conceded more than two goals in any match across all competitions for over 70 games. For Arsenal, this is a golden opportunity to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2009, but they know the tie is far from over against the 15-time champions.
Team News
- Real Madrid: Face significant hurdles. Eduardo Camavinga is suspended following his late yellow card in the first leg. Key defensive figures Ferland Mendy (hamstring), Dani Carvajal (ACL), and Éder Militão (ACL) are injured, as is backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin (muscular). However, Aurélien Tchouaméni returns from his first-leg suspension to bolster the midfield. Crucially, star forward Kylian Mbappé is available despite a domestic red card at the weekend, with Ancelotti stating Madrid need him “more than ever”. Thibaut Courtois will start in goal, likely behind a makeshift defence.
- Arsenal: Also have injury concerns. Gabriel Magalhães (hamstring), Riccardo Calafiori (knee), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Kai Havertz (hamstring recovery), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are confirmed absentees. Jorginho (ribs) did not travel with the squad. Thomas Partey and Ben White picked up knocks at the weekend but trained; their involvement remains to be seen. Arteta may opt for a similar lineup to the first leg, relying on the defensive solidity of Saliba and Kiwior (or Timber) and the midfield engine of Rice and Ødegaard.
Tactical Outlook
Madrid have no choice but to attack from the outset. Expect them to leverage the attacking talents of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, seeking an early goal to ignite the Bernabéu crowd. Arsenal will likely aim to stay compact, frustrate Madrid, and hit them on the counter-attack using the pace of Saka and Martinelli. The midfield battle, particularly how Arsenal handle Bellingham and Madrid cope without Camavinga, will be crucial.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal Predictions
Madrid’s history demands respect, and an early goal could change the complexion entirely. However, Arsenal’s commanding lead and defensive strength make them favourites to progress. A nervy night awaits, but the Gunners might just have enough, even if Madrid win on the night. Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Arsenal (Arsenal advance 4-2 on aggregate).
UEFA Champions League: Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich (Aggregate: 2-1) – Nerazzurri Aim to Defend Slender Lead Against Injury-Hit Bavarians
Venue: San Siro, Milan Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 10:00 PM EAT / 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET First Leg: Bayern Munich 1-2 Inter Milan (April 8, 2025)
This tie hangs tantalizingly in the balance after Inter secured a vital 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena last week. Lautaro Martínez gave Inter the lead before Thomas Müller equalised, only for substitute Davide Frattesi to snatch a late winner for the Nerazzurri. Inter boast an impressive recent Champions League record, having lost only two of their last 19 matches in the competition.
The Stakes: Inter Milan, last season’s runners-up, know that avoiding defeat will secure their passage to the semi-finals, where a clash against either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund awaits. Bayern Munich, under Vincent Kompany, need an away win to keep their European dreams alive. Any one-goal victory forces extra time, while a win by two or more goals sends them through directly. Bayern haven’t lost an away European game since Matchday 7 and won 2-0 at Leverkusen in the last round.
Team News
Inter: Simone Inzaghi has fewer concerns than his counterpart. Denzel Dumfries (thigh), Piotr Zieliński (calf), Valentín Carboni (cruciate), and Mehdi Taremi (adductor) are expected to miss out. However, key wing-back Federico Dimarco should return after missing the first leg. Inzaghi rested several key players like Thuram, Bastoni, and Mkhitaryan at the weekend, ensuring they are fresh.
Bayern: Are grappling with a significant injury list. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (calf) remains out, meaning Jonas Urbig will likely deputise again. Defenders Alphonso Davies (cruciate), Dayot Upamecano (knee), and Hiroki Ito (metatarsal) are sidelined, along with creative spark Jamal Musiala (hamstring). However, Kingsley Coman and Aleksandar Pavlovic are available again after weekend appearances. Harry Kane will lead the line, supported by talents like Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, and Michael Olise.
Tactical Outlook
Inter are masters of defensive organisation under Inzaghi, often deploying a 3-5-2 formation that is difficult to break down. They have conceded only three goals in 11 UCL games this season. Expect them to remain solid, absorb pressure, and look to exploit transitions with Martínez and Thuram. Bayern must be proactive and creative in attack, needing to bypass Inter’s formidable backline. The midfield battle between Kimmich/Goretzka and Çalhanoğlu/Barella will be key in dictating control. Bayern’s makeshift defence will be tested by Inter’s potent attack.
Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich Predictions
Inter’s incredible home form (unbeaten in 20 games) and stellar defensive record give them the edge. Bayern possess the firepower to score, especially with Harry Kane in attack, but their defensive injuries are a major concern against Inter’s clinical forwards. A tense, tactical battle is likely, potentially ending in a score draw that favours the Italian side. Prediction: Inter Milan 1-1 Bayern Munich (Inter advance 3-2 on aggregate).
Where to watch UCL games today (April 16, 2025)
UK: TNT Sports / Discovery+
USA: Paramount+ / CBS Sports Network
Canada: DAZN
Australia: Stan Sport
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport / Canal+ / New World TV
MENA: beIN Sports
Germany: DAZN
Austria: DAZN / Sky Sport Austria / ServusTV (Check listings for free match)
Ireland: RTÉ 2 / RTÉ Player (Free live stream of Real Madrid vs Arsenal)
(Note: Geo-restrictions may apply. A VPN service might be required to access streams from outside your home country, subject to broadcaster terms and conditions).
In conclusion, the two massive UEFA Champions League quarter-final second legs await tonight. Can Real Madrid defy the odds and produce another historic comeback, or will Arsenal hold firm? Will Inter Milan’s defensive might see them through, or can Bayern Munich overcome their injury woes at the San Siro? With semi-final spots against Barcelona and PSG on the line, expect an evening of gripping football action across Europe. Don’t miss it!
Also read about Chelsea’s Premier League woes over the weekend.
