Arsenal head into the second leg of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid in the ascendancy, with good reason to feel positive about a place in the semi-final of the competition.
A packed out Emirates Stadium crowd were left impressed as the Gunners stuck three goals past Los Blancos on the night.
A Declan Rice double of direct free-kicks were followed up by Mikel Merino, giving Arsenal a healthy lead to take with them to the Bernabeu.
While the Gunners can’t point to their own selection issues in the mix, such as Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury, Real Madrid had some concerns of their own.
That may only deepen ahead of the second leg in the Champions League, with one star being banned, while another returns for the Bernabeu.
Eduardo Camavinga banned for Real Madrid vs Arsenal in Champions League second leg
In a night that went from bad to worse for Real Madrid against Arsenal, the impact may well carry over into the second leg.
Los Blancos have quite the hill to climb at the Bernabeu to overcome the obstacle ahead of them, with the side having never fought back from a three-goal deficit in the Champions League.
That task is made all the tougher when the team selection is considered, with Eduardo Camavinga now set to miss the second leg.
The midfielder picked up a yellow card in the match, his third in the competition, which by Champions League rules means a one-match suspension.
That in itself would’ve been a frustrating notion, but it was made even worse for the 22-year-old on a torrid evening.
After a late foul in the clash, Camavinga blasted the ball away in frustration, drawing the attention of referee Irfan Peljto.
A yellow card swiftly followed, resulting in a red card and a one-match suspension regardless of the previous booking.
It comes as something of a blow for the side, given the quality Camavinga has shown at times in the midfield.
Carlo Ancelotti described the Frenchman as “extraordinary” in 2023 when he was breaking through, also adding: “He is very young and he has to mature his experience and his tactical knowledge. Technically, he has nothing to learn and, physically, he has the engine of a Ferrari, not like a (Fiat) 500.”
It’s a moment that Arsenal fans may feel is justice after decisions such as Declan Rice getting sent off for delaying the restart against Brighton, or Leandro Trossard’s red card against Manchester City.
While that now means Camavinga is out, there is a replacement ready to come in for the second leg.
- READ MORE: Jack Wilshere describes Declan Rice using just one word after his display for Arsenal vs Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni set for Real Madrid return against Arsenal
While Camavinga is out for the clash, Aurelien Tchouameni’s suspension comes to an end for the second leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid.
The star, who joined Los Blancos for roughly £85million, has been a key part of the team over recent seasons, with his absence clearly felt at the Emirates Stadium.
A return at the Bernabeu may be timely, with his impact certainly needed as part of any potential rebound from the side.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurelien Tchouameni | 42 | 1 | 1 |
| Eduardo Camavinga | 31 | 1 | 2 |
The versatility of Tchouameni could help fill several gaps in the team, though a midfield return seems the most likely solution.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
