UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals: Arsenal vs Real Madrid, Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan

The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals commence today, April 8, 2025, featuring two compelling first-leg matchups: Arsenal hosting Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium in London, and Bayern Munich welcoming Inter Milan to Allianz Arena in Munich.

Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, returns to the quarterfinal stage for the first time since 2010. The Gunners advanced by decisively defeating PSV Eindhoven with a 9-3 aggregate score. Despite recent challenges in the Premier League, including a loss to Everton, the team remains focused on European success. Arteta has expressed deep respect for his counterpart, Carlo Ancelotti, referring to him as "an inspiration" and highlighting his composure under pressure and success across multiple countries. (cadenaser.com)

Real Madrid, led by Ancelotti, reached this stage by overcoming Manchester City and Atlético Madrid. The team recently faced a setback in LaLiga with a 2-1 defeat to Valencia at Santiago Bernabéu. Ancelotti emphasized the need for his team to display "courage and personality" against Arsenal, acknowledging the English side's offensive approach and suggesting it might provide more space for Real Madrid's play. (cadenaser.com)

A key player for Arsenal is winger Bukayo Saka, who has returned from a serious hamstring injury. Saka views the break as a mental recharge, noting it as his first real rest in five years. He aims to contribute significantly to Arsenal's European campaign, emphasizing the importance of reaching the semifinals for the first time in years. (reuters.com)

The match at Emirates Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 ET (12:00 PT) and will be broadcast in the United States on Paramount+, CBS Sports, TUDN USA, and ViX.

In Munich, Bayern Munich, managed by Vincent Kompany, faces Inter Milan. Bayern enters the quarterfinals after a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory over Bayer Leverkusen and currently leads the Bundesliga by six points. Inter Milan, under Simone Inzaghi, progressed by eliminating Feyenoord in the previous round. Historically, Bayern has won five of their previous encounters, Inter three, with one draw. (fcbayern.com)

Inter Milan is contending with injury challenges ahead of the match. Key players such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Alessandro Bastoni, and Federico Dimarco are doubtful due to fatigue-related injuries. Inzaghi emphasized the importance of collective effort and adaptability to match Bayern's intensity, underscoring his belief in his team's capability to be competitive despite the challenges. (reuters.com)

The match at Allianz Arena is set to begin at 15:00 ET (12:00 PT) and will be available for viewing in the U.S. on Paramount+.

These quarterfinal fixtures not only showcase the rich histories and rivalries between these clubs but also set the stage for potential narratives, such as Martin Ødegaard facing his former club Real Madrid, and the tactical battle between Arteta and Ancelotti. As the competition progresses, fans can anticipate high-stakes matches filled with strategic depth and individual brilliance.