Champions League Analysis: xG, Tactics & Player Ratings – Real Madrid 1–2 Arsenal
Score: Real Madrid 1–2 Arsenal
Date: April 16, 2025
Competition: UEFA Champions League (Quarterfinals, Second Leg)
Formations: Real Madrid 4–3–3 | Arsenal 4–3–3
Match Time: 104 mins
Active Play: 43 mins
xG: Real Madrid 1.8 – 0.8 Arsenal
xT: Real Madrid 1.1 – 0.6 Arsenal
Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Game Summary & Match Stats
It was another Champions League classic at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Arsenal stunned the hosts despite Real Madrid dominating most of the underlying numbers.
Shotmap & xG: Real Madrid fired 18 shots to Arsenal’s 11, with a much higher expected goals tally (1.8 vs 0.8). The hosts were far more active in and around the box — but crucially lacked cutting edge.
xT Timeline: Madrid gradually increased threat through the match, while Arsenal capitalized with short but decisive bursts — especially after the 60-minute mark.
xG Timeline: Madrid’s steady accumulation showed control but not payoff. Arsenal’s lower xG came from fewer, higher-quality moments — and they made them count.
Possession & Passing: Possession was nearly even, but Madrid completed 496 passes to Arsenal’s 257. Madrid also built longer chains (4.1 passes/chain vs 2.3)
Player ratings
Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid – 7.7
Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal – 6.7
Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal – 6.3
Final Thoughts
Arsenal advance with ruthless efficiency. Real Madrid controlled large spells and outperformed Arsenal in nearly every metric — but football rewards execution. Arsenal had less of the ball, fewer shots, and lower xG, but found the back of the net when it mattered most.
