Real Madrid's Champions League Journey in 2024/25
Last updated: 24 April 2025Real Madrid's Remarkable Champions League Journey in 2024/25, and the next challenge in quarter-finals against Arsenal.
Do you want to know about Real Madrid's amazing journey in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season? The Spanish giants have been on a roll, showcasing their dominance and determination to claim their record-extending 15th European Cup/Champions League title.
One of the biggest challenges standing in their way is a quarter-final clash against Arsenal. This tie is a repeat of the 2004/05 round of 16 clash between both giants, which was the last time they faced each other in the competition until now. Arsenal held Real Madrid to a goalless draw at Highbury before finishing the game with a 1-0 victory in the second leg away from home. Despite being the underdog and going up against a star-studded Madrid side, Thierry Henry scored the only goal in the 47th minute to send Arsene Wenger’s men to the next round.
Arsenal will host the first leg at the Emirates on April 8, 2025, followed by the return leg at Real Madrid’s home ground on April 16. The battle between the 15th-time winner of the competition and a team that has never won is certain to be a thriller that no football fan will want to miss.
Let's take a closer look at Real Madrid's incredible campaign so far and what has made them such a formidable force in this season's competition.
Real Madrid in The League Phase
Real Madrid entered the new UEFA Champions League format with so much expectation. With 36 teams now competing in the tournament, each playing eight different opponents, the Whites knew it was an unfamiliar territory, unlike the one they were used to: the group stage. Real Madrid only won five of their eight league phase games, losing three. Ancelotti’s men lost to Lille OSC, Liverpool, and AC Milan. However, thanks to important wins over other teams, they managed to make it to the play-off round, where they finished off Manchester City.
| Match | Result |
| Real Madrid vs VFB Stuttgart | 3-1 win |
| Lille OSC vs Real Madrid | 1-0 loss |
| Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund | 5-2 win |
| Real Madrid vs AC Milan | 1-3 loss |
| Liverpool vs Real Madrid | 2-0 loss |
| Atalanta vs Real Madrid | 2-3 win |
| Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg | 5-1 win |
| Brest vs Real Madrid | 0-3 win |
Impressive, right? Not quite, especially for a club that maintained the highest win rate in last season’s competition. However, like every other season, the Whites have shown resilience throughout the competition.
Real Madrid showcased their attacking prowess and defensive resilience throughout the group stage, sending a strong message to their rivals.
Real Madrid in the Playoff Round
Real Madrid faced Manchester City in the playoff round. It was the third season in a row that both teams had faced each other in the competition. Erling Haaland gave City the lead in the 19th minute. However, Real Madrid had more life in the second half and got the equalizer through Kylian Mbappe on the hour mark.
Haaland put City ahead again from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, but Real had the last laugh, scoring two goals in six minutes through Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham to get a 3-2 win away from home.
Real Madrid dominated the second leg, with Kylian Mbappe reminding Manchester City why he’s regarded as one of the best in the world with a hat-trick. The Frenchman scored two goals in the first half and added the third in the 61st minute. Nico Gonzalez scored a consolation for Man City in the 92nd minute to make it 3-1, giving Real a 6-3 aggregate win.
Real Madrid in The Round of 16
In the round of 16, Real Madrid faced bitter rivals Atletico Madrid, with Rodrygo giving Ancelotti’s men an early lead in the fourth minute. However, Julian Alvarez put Atletico Madrid back in the game in the 32nd minute before Brahim Diaz secured the win for Real Madrid with a goal in the 55th minute.
The second leg was more dramatic and caused a heated argument on social media. Conor Gallagher scored Atletico’s only goal to make it 2-2 on aggregate. Both teams had chances to win the game in extra time, but didn’t take them. Julian Alvarez’s penalty was overruled by VAR, which was the first in the game’s history. The reason? He apparently touched the ball twice, which Atletico Madrid contested until UEFA released a video proving the second touch.
Real Madrid in The Quarter-Finals
Real Madrid's next hurdle in their Champions League journey is against Arsenal. Here is a table summarising the first and second leg matches between Arsenal and Real Madrid in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals:
| Leg | Date | Home Team | Away Team | Tickets |
| 1st | Apr 8, 2025 | Arsenal | Real Madrid | Buy Tickets |
| 2nd | Apr 16, 2024 | Real Madrid | Arsenal | Buy Tickets |
The first leg will be played at the Emirates in North London on April 8, 2025, while the second is scheduled for April 16, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
Real Madrid must be at their best to overcome Mikel Arteta's well-oiled machine. Can they rise to the challenge and keep their dreams of a 16th Champions League title alive? Only time will tell!
The Road Ahead
If Real Madrid overcomes Arsenal in the quarter-finals, they will face the winner of the other quarter-final tie in the semi-finals. Should Real Madrid continue their incredible run and reach the final, they will have the chance to lift the coveted trophy at the iconic Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, 2025. Imagine the scenes of jubilation if they can clinch their 16th European Cup/Champions League title!
Key Players and Tactics
Real Madrid's success in the 2024/25 Champions League has been driven by a blend of young talent and experienced stars, with a tactical approach that has evolved to suit their strengths.
Top Scorers:
- Kylian Mbappe - 7 goals
- Vinicius Junior - 7 goals
- Rodrygo - 5 goals
- Jude Bellingham - 3 goals
Top Assists:
- Jude Bellingham - 4 assists
- Rodrygo - 2 assists
- Vinícius Júnior - 2 assists
Tactical Approach
Carlo Ancelotti has implemented a new 4-1-3-2 formation this season, with Bellingham having a reduced role compared to last season when he was deployed as a forward. The arrival of Kylian Mbappe has made Ancelotti tweak his system, making room for Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as the main forward players, supported by Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham.
With Toni Kroos retiring at the end of last season, Ancelotti has put more trust in 39-year-old Luka Modric, who has been phenomenal yet again this season. He has held down Real Madrid’s midfield alongside Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Tchouameni.
The Whites have been unlucky in defense this season, with their first-choice defenders suffering long-term injury. Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Carvajal have all suffered one long-term injury or the other this season. This explains why they have been a bit poor in defense.
Real Madrid's tactical flexibility and the individual brilliance of their key players have been instrumental in their Champions League journey so far.
The Importance of the Champions League
For Real Madrid, the Champions League holds a special place in their illustrious history. They are the most successful club in the competition, having won it 15 times. The pursuit of a 16th title is not just about adding another trophy to their cabinet; it's about cementing their status as the undisputed kings of European football.
The Champions League also provides a global stage for Real Madrid to showcase their brand and attract top talent worldwide. Success in this competition can have far-reaching effects, from increased revenue through sponsorships and merchandise sales to enhanced prestige and reputation.
The Fans' Role
Real Madrid's success in the Champions League is not just down to the players and coaching staff; the fans play a crucial role too. The passionate support of the Madridistas, both at the Santiago Bernabéu and around the world, creates an electrifying atmosphere that can inspire the team to greatness.
As Real Madrid continues their Champions League journey, the fans will be right behind them, cheering them on every step of the way. The bond between the club and its supporters is special, and it can make all the difference in high-pressure matches.
Conclusion
Real Madrid's journey in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League has been remarkable. As they prepare to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, the excitement and anticipation are reaching fever pitch. Can Real Madrid overcome this formidable challenge and keep their dreams of a 16th Champions League title alive?
One thing is for sure: with their talented squad, tactical nous, and the unwavering support of their fans, Real Madrid will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of European glory. So, buckle up and prepare for a thrilling ride as we follow Real Madrid's Champions League journey in the coming weeks and months!
Writing team
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