Bayern, Arsenal hold leads ahead of second legs
Hope
Bayern Munich and Arsenal take narrow leads into Wednesday’s decisive UEFA Champions League quarter-final second legs, with both ties remaining finely balanced.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid
Bayern Munich return to Bavaria with a 2-1 first-leg advantage over Real Madrid, putting them in a strong position to reach the semi-finals. However, their recent struggles against the Spanish giants suggest the contest is far from decided.
Vincent Kompany’s side extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches in all competitions (W13, D2) after a dominant 5-0 Bundesliga win over St. Pauli at the weekend. Their home form in Europe is also strong, with 22 wins from their last 28 UEFA Champions League matches.
However, Bayern’s only defeat in that run came at this stage last season, underlining the risks of complacency. Encouragingly, their 2-1 win in Madrid ended an eight-match winless streak against their opponents.
Real Madrid, despite the first-leg setback, remain a major threat. The 15-time European champions have a strong record in the competition, although they have won just one of their last seven ties after losing the first leg at home.
Recent form offers some hope, with four wins from their last six away matches in all competitions. Kylian Mbappé continues to lead their attack, having scored four goals in his last six appearances against Bayern.
Arsenal vs Sporting CP
Arsenal also hold a narrow advantage, leading Sporting CP 1-0 ahead of their second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side remain unbeaten in this season’s Champions League (W10, D1) and have won all five home matches in the competition. Their strong European record includes progression from 17 of 18 ties after winning the first leg away.
Despite a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, Arsenal’s form in Europe remains consistent. They have lost just once in their last 23 European home matches Winning 17 and Drawing 5.
Sporting CP face a difficult task, having won only one of their last eight European away games. While they have been competitive domestically, the step up in quality presents a significant challenge.
History also weighs against the Portuguese side, with clubs from Portugal losing their last nine Champions League quarter-final ties.
