The Emirates Stadium is set to host more Champions League action this season when Arsenal play host to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Mikel Arteta will be looking to make home advantage count, with the possibility of taking a lead into the second leg at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal have some team selection issues to deal with, as Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending injury has only bolstered a list of absentees, while Raheem Sterling is suspended for the tie.
Real Madrid have some problems of their own, though Carlo Ancelotti has often found a way to keep his side in Champions League games, even when struggling.
It sets up a nicely poised match at the Emirates Stadium, one that could swing either way to create a blockbuster second leg.
There will be one key change for Arsenal vs Real Madrid, though, involving a switch to the stadium name due to a forgotten Champions League rule.
Why is the Emirates Stadium called the Arsenal Stadium during the Champions League?
During the Champions League quarter-final first leg, some eagle-eyed viewers may realise a change to the Emirates Stadium.
Instead of that name many have become accustomed to, it will be referred to as the “Arsenal stadium” on broadcast.
That is a change which has been in place throughout the whole competition, due to a little-known rule surrounding the Champions League.
UEFA regulations are strict on stadium sponsorship, which doesn’t allow for them to be associated with those names, such as the Etihad Stadium being renamed the City of Manchester Stadium when Manchester City play at home in UEFA competitions.
Match tickets do allow for the stadium to be addressed as the Emirates Stadium if it helps differentiate the ground from others.
It’s only a minor change, but a bizarre one that may be picked out before such a big clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s Champions League home record 2024/25
The Emirates Stadium has been turned into something of a fortress for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side in recent years.
That has been very much reflected in the results they have picked up there in the Champions League so far this season.
The Gunners have played five home matches in the competition this season, going unbeaten in them so far.
| Match |
|---|
| Arsenal 2-0 PSG |
| Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk |
| Arsenal 3-0 Monaco |
| Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb |
| Arsenal 2-2 PSV Eindhoven |
Their resolute defence and ability to score goals have made the side competitive, something they will have to be once again when they face Real Madrid.
Theo Walcott has claimed Arsenal need a two-goal lead over Real Madrid heading into the second leg to have a chance of getting through.
Whether they can grab that in such a high-stakes encounter remains to be seen, but there is a huge opportunity awaiting them.
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