Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE: Champions League team news and updates

Jude Bellingham on what the most repeated word in the Real Madrid dressing room has been this week:

“I’ve heard it a million times, watched many videos… it motivates us a lot. It’s a night made for Real Madrid. It’s something that people are familiar with, and there’s no need to add anything else.

“We want to add to the club’s history, and [tonight] is a big day for us.”

Jude Bellingham is confident Real Madrid can overturn a 3-0 first-leg Champions League deficit against Arsenal on Wednesday to book their place in the last four.

Real were left stunned by the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium last week after Declan Rice scored two outstanding free-kicks to leave Carlo Ancelotti’s side with a mountainous task.

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric appears to be planning for his retirement from football by purchasing a minority stake in Swansea City.

The 39-year-old, whose contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of this season, has taken a non-controlling stake in the Championship side.

Modric has joined shareholders Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and businessman Jason Cohen, after the four bought out former majority owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan last November.

Modric said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.”

Arsenal have not conceded three times in a match since a 4-3 win against Luton 16 months ago, and they have not lost by a four-goal margin since they suffered a 4-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in December 2021.

Speaking about beating Madrid, Arteta said: “We have to do it again. And we have to prove it now in this context. And that’s the beauty of it. That’s the challenge and that’s the great thing about sport.

“We’ve shown that we are capable of doing it, and that has to give us reassurance and confidence that we can do it. But now, let’s talk on the pitch, do it on the pitch, and that’s the only thing that matters.”

“It’s part of their history and they’ve earned the right to talk about these scenarios,” said Arteta when asked about Real Madrid’s focus on still making it through to the semi-finals.

“Our mindset is different in how we have the best chance to be better than them. I think it is exciting. We have never won this competition, and we are trying to do something now where we can dominate.”

Arteta expanding on his mindset for tonight’s match and explained: “The emotional aspect is very significant.

“I have a lot of reassurance from what the team has done all season, in positive contexts and in difficult contexts.

“We are going to enjoy playing any kind of game. The mindset is to be brave, to be dominant and have the conviction that we can be better than them and win the game.”

Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal won’t sit back and hold on to their lead when they head to Madrid tonight.

Most of the pre-match build-up has been about Real Madrid overturning their deficit and winning the game but Arteta says the Gunners have a similar mindset.

He said: “We have the same mindset.

“The mindset is to win, to be brave, to be bold, dominant, to be determined and to have the conviction that we can be better than them and win the game.

“That is the message I have conveyed to the players. They did that in London and now we have to do it in a different context tomorrow.”

Mikel Arteta insists a ‘bold and brave’ Arsenal do not fear Real Madrid and wants his side to secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals by beating the Spanish giants in their own back yard.

Arsenal will take on Carlo Ancelotti’s team in the second leg of their quarter-final at the Bernabeu with a three-goal advantage following Declan Rice’s remarkable free-kick double at the Emirates Stadium last week.

However, the 15-time European Cup winners have a habit of impressive turnarounds – against the might of Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich – all in recent seasons.

Real Madrid won’t go down easily and the atmosphere inside the Bernabeau will inspire them to fight ferociously to overcome the three goal deficit. It’ll be a nervous outing for Arsenal but a goal should settle them down and they will have enough defensive quality to sneak into the semi-finals.

Real Madrid 3-1 Arsenal (Arsenal to progress 4-3 on aggregate).

Arsenal’s Jorginho will be unavailable after the midfielder limped off during the Premier League draw with Brentford though Thomas Partey and Ben White should be available for Mikel Arteta.

Raheem Sterling missed the first leg through suspension but is back for this one.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli