Champions League game is a repeat of the 2010 final: Bayern Munich v Internazionale. Niall McVeigh is covering that one.
Real Madrid at the Emirates. It’s the first leg of a mouthmoistening quarter-final between the best team never to win the European Cup (probably) and the team that has won it the most (definitely).
That imbalance gives this game a slightly strange feel – part Clash of the Titans, part David vs Goliath. Madrid are strongish favourites to win the tie but Arsenal have more than enough ability to make life uncomfortable for them, particularly in front of a feral Emirates crowd tonight.
Arsenal surely need to take a lead to Madrid, ideally two goals or more. They can’t afford a repeat of last year’s quarter-final first leg, when a 2-2 draw at home to Bayern Munich set up a largely miserable night at the Allianz Arena.
Had Arsenal gone through they would have faced Real Madrid in the semis. If you want to win this trophy – their trophy – chances are you’ll have to beat them en route.
This is the ultimate test for Arsenal, one that elicits fear but also excitement and a powerful sense of opportunity. If Arsenal can get past Madrid, they’ll fancy their chances against anybody.
Kick off 8pm.
Source: theguardian.com
