Three reasons why Arsenal can beat Real Madrid in Champions League blockbuster | OneFootball

Gunners face daunting quarter-final task against the holders - but there is cause for optimism

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal face the daunting prospect of a showdown with Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Gunners booked a clash with the 15-time European champions after beating PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate in the last 16.

Real Madrid will go into the tie as clear favourites after squeezing past rivals Atletico Madrid in a controversial penalty shootout.

Arsenal have the added challenge of being away for the second leg, but there are reasons for Mikel Arteta’s side to believe they can cause an upset.

Arsenal boast one of Europe’s best defences

For all their injury issues in attack, Arsenal have a wealth of options in defence. Indeed, at one stage against PSV on Wednesday night, the Gunners had six players on the pitch capable of playing at left-back.

Arsenal have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season - albeit the next best defence, Liverpool, have played a game more - and they have excelled in Europe, too.

Only Inter Milan had a better defensive record in the league phase of the Champions League as Arsenal kept five clean sheets in eight games.

Wednesday night was the first time they have conceded at home in the Champions League this season, but Arteta rotated his defence with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both on the bench.

Ben White’s return from injury means Arteta could field a back four that includes White, Gabriel, Saliba and Timber.

Return: Ben White is back in action now for Arsenal after injury

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Injuries have prevented the quartet from starting together much this season but, when they have, Arsenal have kept four clean sheets in six games and conceded just twice.

Arsenal will need all their defensive prowess to stop what is a formidable Real Madrid attack, which includes Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

Saka should be back

Arsenal have been hurt by injuries in attack this season, but no one has been a bigger miss than Bukayo Saka.

The winger tore his hamstring in December and was forced to undergo surgery. He has not played since, but hopes to return to training later this month.

Saka should return in time for both legs against Real Madrid and that will be a massive boost for Arsenal’s attack.

Despite not kicking a ball since the middle of December, only Mohamed Salah has got more Premier League assists than Saka this season.

Asset: Bukayo Saka’s comeback will be pivotal for Arsenal in the Champions League

Getty Images

The winger also remains Arsenal’s second top scorer with nine goals in all competitions and, before his injury, was on course for his best season in terms of attacking output.

The return of Saka should help spark Martin Odegaard into life, with the captain having struggled without him.

The pair have a brilliant understanding of each other’s games and Arsenal are unbeaten this season in the 12 matches they have started together. The Gunners scored 30 goals in that time, too.

Real Madrid won’t defend deep

Anyone who has watched Arsenal this season will tell you that their biggest issue has been breaking down teams that defend in a low block.

Manchester United last week were the latest side to have success with that approach, but they are not alone.

Everton came to the Emirates Stadium in December and ground out a 0-0 draw despite having less than 25 per cent possession.

No low block: Real Madrid will give up chances in the quarter-final tie

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Arsenal would have experienced a stubborn defence in Atletico, whereas at least Real Madrid will look to attack.

That should leave space for Arsenal’s depleted attack to exploit and Real have shown how they give teams chances. In their last five matches in all competitions, they have conceded 52 shots on goal.

The challenge for Arsenal is to show a ruthless edge in front of goal - as they did against an open PSV side.