How can Arsenal HURT Real Madrid? The keys to victory | OneFootball

Arsenal go into tonight’s first leg against Real Madrid off the back of a 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday but Mikel Arteta’s side pose enough quality to hurt their illustrious opponents.

The Champions League holders have made hard work of reaching the quarter-finals, needing penalties to overcome Atletico Madrid and Manchester City, after missing out on automatic qualification to the knockout stages altogether during the league phase.

In contrast, Arsenal have eased through to this stage of the competition, putting nine past Dutch champions PSV over two legs in their last-16 tie.

It sets up an intriguing first leg at the Emirates this evening and we take a look at the key battles which could prove pivotal in either side taking the advantage into next week’s return fixture.

How can Arsenal hurt Real Madrid?

Corners

Arsenal have scored 10 goals from corners in the Premier League this season and their dominance from set pieces in the attacking phase is something they will look to exploit. Madrid, on the contrary, have a poor record of defending set pieces and manager Carlo Ancelotti made it very clear at last night’s press conference that the visitors have their work cut out trying to keep Mikel Arteta’s side at bay.

The return of Bukayo Saka is an added bonus, given the winger has four assists from corners this season, despite needing hamstring surgery back in December. The 23-year-old’s threat from dead-ball situations will make Arsenal a dangerous proposition.

Real Madrid have conceded more goals from corners this season than they have in any of the previous three. Indeed, Valencia capitalised by opening the scoring from a corner during their victory at the Bernabeu on Saturday and Arsenal will be well aware of their frailties.

Someone will need to step up in the absence of Brazilian defender Gabriel, however. Arsenal’s top goalscorer from corners will miss the rest of the season through injury.

The midfield battle

Aurélien Tchouaméni has picked up three yellow cards in the Champions League this season which sees him suspended for tonight’s tie. In his place, former Spurs playmaker Luka Modric starts.

A lot will be demanded of the 39-year-old in covering the ground to ensure the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice don’t have growing influences of proceedings.

Arsenal should have a fitness advantage over their counterparts in that area of the pitch and will need to fully utilise their strengths to keep Madrid on the back foot.