Arsenal are preparing for arguably their biggest game under Mikel Arteta as they head to the Bernabeu in the Champions League quarter final second leg.
Arteta’s side take a healthy three goal advantage into the clash after their stunning win at the Emirates Stadium and have been boosted by Thomas Partey’s return to training after sustaining a knock against Brentford.
Dani Ceballos has warned Arsenal that Real Madrid will be coming out strong in the opening exchanges of the match and the Gunners will have to stand up strong against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Opta’s supercomputer made Arsenal favourites for the Champions League following their first leg victory but their latest prediction has changed the Gunners chances of success.
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Opta Supercomputer makes new Arsenal prediction ahead of Real Madrid clash
A day after the first leg clash in London, Real Madrid were given just a 4% chance of progressing into the semi finals of Europe’s most elite competition according to Opta’s supercomputer analysis.
The holders were destroyed by two sublime free kicks from Declan Rice and a stunning finish from Mikel Merino to leave them staring at an early exit.
However, that assessment has since changed and Carlo Ancelotti’s side have seen a 125% increase in their chances, going from 4% to 9% to overcome the three goal deficit.
The Bernabeu has seen many magic nights before in this competition and the Gunners will have to be at their very best to prevent another one.
Why Arsenal’s chances may have decreased in the Champions League
There are many factors that Opta’s analysts use in producing the facts and figures but the Gunners injury blows to the likes of Partey and Ben White would have impacted their chances.
Real Madrid are also planning several gimmicks before kick off in order to intensify the atmosphere, including keeping the roof closed for the game to help with the atmosphere.
Arteta’s side need a solid start to match as an early goal will only raise the Spanish hopes but the fact that Partey is back in training and set to feature will be an important element to Arsenal’s defensive protection.
Real Madrid need to create history by overturning a three goal deficit for the first time in the competition and Arteta and his men will be keen to be the party spoilers in the white hot atmosphere in Madrid.
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