The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals kick off on April 8, 2025, and football fans in America, Europe, and beyond are gearing up for two thrilling encounters. First up, Arsenal welcome defending champions Real Madrid to the Emirates Stadium in a clash that pits Premier League ambition against La Liga royalty. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich host Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena, reigniting a historic rivalry with echoes of the 2010 final. These first-leg matches promise fireworks, and we’ve got all the details—match tickets, TV channels, team news, and more—to get you ready.
With searches for squads, previous encounters, and statistics trending across Google, these games are dominating the football conversation. Arsenal seek their first Champions League semifinal in nearly two decades, while Bayern and Inter battle for supremacy between two European heavyweights. From ticket prices to key player updates, this blog dives deep into both fixtures, ensuring you’re fully prepped for the action on Tuesday night. Let’s break it all down, match by match.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: A Premier League vs La Liga Showdown at the Emirates
The Emirates Stadium will be rocking as Arsenal host Real Madrid on April 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM EDT). This quarterfinal first leg pits Mikel Arteta’s resurgent Gunners against Carlo Ancelotti’s reigning European champions, who are chasing a record-extending 16th title. Expect a tactical battle, high stakes, and a clash of footballing philosophies in North London.
Match Tickets: How to Get into the Emirates
Securing match tickets for Arsenal vs Real Madrid is no easy feat—this is one of the hottest tickets of the season. Arsenal’s official site lists standard tickets from £70 to £150, though most are snapped up by season ticket holders. Hospitality packages start at £500, offering premium views of this blockbuster tie. Resale platforms like StubHub or Viagogo have options from £200 upwards, but prices fluctuate with demand. For U.S. or European travelers, pairing flights with tickets could push costs above $1,000—check UEFA’s resale platform closer to kick-off for last-minute deals.
TV Channels and Streaming Options
In the U.S., catch the game live on Paramount+ at 3:00 PM EDT, with CBS Sports Network airing it for cable viewers. In the UK, TNT Sports has you covered at 8:00 PM BST, while TRT Spor broadcasts in Turkey. Arsenal fans can also stream via the club’s “Live From N5” show on Arsenal.com. Globally, platforms like discovery+ (UK) and Sony LIV (India) offer live access, with highlights dropping on UEFA’s YouTube post-match. These TV channels ensure no fan misses out.
Team News: Injuries and Updates
Arsenal’s team news is a mixed bag. Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber are major doubts after hamstring and knee injuries against Fulham, respectively, while Bukayo Saka’s hamstring tweak leaves his status uncertain. Mikel Arteta may lean on Jakub Kiwior or Oleksandr Zinchenko to bolster the backline. Real Madrid dodged a bullet with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Antonio Rüdiger cleared of UEFA bans, but Aurélien Tchouaméni’s suspension forces Ancelotti to reshuffle his defense—David Alaba could step up.
Squads: Probable Starting XIs
Arsenal’s likely squad (4-3-3): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko — Ødegaard, Rice, Havertz — Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard. Real Madrid’s probable XI (4-3-3): Lunin (GK) — Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy — Valverde, Modrić, Bellingham — Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. These lineups reflect current form and injuries, with Arteta potentially adapting if Saka’s out, and Ancelotti leaning on Bellingham’s versatility.
Previous Encounters: Historical Context
The previous encounters between Arsenal and Real Madrid are sparse but memorable. They’ve met just twice competitively, in the 2005-06 Round of 16, where Arsenal edged out a 1-0 aggregate win (1-0 at the Bernabeu, 0-0 at Highbury) thanks to Thierry Henry. Madrid’s perfect record in London quarterfinals (4 wins) looms large, but Arsenal’s home resilience could flip the script.
Statistics: Numbers to Know
The statistics paint a fascinating picture. Arsenal have netted 14 goals in this season’s competition, while Real Madrid’s 17 strikes showcase their firepower. The Gunners’ home record against Spanish sides is W7 D2 L3, but Madrid’s 100% London quarterfinal success rate is a warning. Expect over 2.5 goals—past meetings suggest an open, attacking affair.
Key Players and Predictions
Watch Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard to dictate play and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé to exploit gaps. Betting odds favor Arsenal slightly (+137) over Madrid (+210), with a draw at +225 (bet365). Prediction: a 2-2 thriller, setting up a tense second leg.
Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan: A European Classic at the Allianz Arena
Over in Bavaria, Bayern Munich face Inter Milan on April 8, 2025, at 9:00 PM CEST (3:00 PM EDT) in a quarterfinal first leg dripping with history. The Allianz Arena will host this clash of titans—Bayern chasing a seventh Champions League crown, and Inter aiming to repeat their 2010 final triumph over the same foe. It’s a matchup of attacking flair and defensive steel.
Match Tickets: Getting into the Allianz Arena
Match tickets for Bayern vs Inter are in high demand. Bayern’s official site offers tickets from €80, with premium seats nearing €300. Resale sites like Viagogo list options from £150, reflecting the game’s allure. U.S. or European fans should budget $1,200+ for travel and tickets combined—check Bayern’s ticket exchange for late availability as the 75,000-capacity stadium nears a sell-out.
TV Channels and Streaming Options
In the U.S., Paramount+ streams live at 3:00 PM EDT, while TNT Sports covers the UK at 8:00 PM BST. TRT Spor airs in Turkey, and Inter’s official app offers a Nerazzurri-focused stream. Post-match, UEFA’s YouTube and club platforms provide highlights. These TV channels ensure global access to this classic tie.
Team News: Injuries and Updates
Bayern’s team news is grim—Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano are out, and Jamal Musiala’s hamstring issue adds uncertainty. Harry Kane remains the focal point. Inter, meanwhile, welcome back Lautaro Martínez after his Parma cameo, pairing him with Marcus Thuram. Denzel Dumfries’ absence tests their wing depth, but Simone Inzaghi’s squad looks robust.
Squads: Probable Starting XIs
Bayern’s likely squad (4-2-3-1): Neuer (GK) — Kimmich, de Ligt, Kim, Guerreiro — Goretzka, Pavlović — Sané, Müller, Musiala (if fit) — Kane. Inter’s probable XI (3-5-2): Sommer (GK) — Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni — Darmian, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco — Thuram, Martínez. These lineups balance experience and form, with Bayern adjusting for injuries.
Previous Encounters: A Storied Rivalry
The previous encounters are iconic. Inter’s 2-0 win over Bayern in the 2010 final (Milito’s brace) remains their pinnacle, but Bayern dominated recent meetings, winning 2-0 home and away in the 2022-23 group stage. This history adds spice—Inter seek revenge, Bayern aim to reassert dominance.
Statistics: Numbers to Know
Statistics highlight the stakes. Bayern lead the competition with 19 goals this season, while Inter’s defense has conceded just two in 10 games. Bayern’s home record vs Italian sides is W12 D3 L2, but Inter’s eight clean sheets in 2024-25 signal resilience. Under 2.5 goals could be the trend here.
Key Players and Predictions
Harry Kane’s finishing will test Inter’s backline, while Lautaro Martínez’s movement could punish Bayern’s depleted defense. Odds lean Bayern (-110) over Inter (+275), with under 2.5 goals at -110 (bet365). Prediction: a cagey 1-0 Bayern win, leaving it all to play for in Milan.
Fan FAQs
What time do the games start? Arsenal vs Madrid: 3:00 PM EDT/8:00 PM BST; Bayern vs Inter: 3:00 PM EDT/9:00 PM CEST. Where to buy tickets? Club sites or resale platforms. Who’s injured? Check team news above. Where to watch? See TV sections.
April 8, 2025, delivers two Champions League epics—Arsenal vs Real Madrid and Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan. With match tickets flying, TV channels locked in, and team news shaping the battles, these first legs will set the tone for the semifinals. Dive into the squads, relive previous encounters, and crunch the statistics—it’s football at its finest.