Arsenal or Real Madrid? Neymar Jr predicts winner of UEFA Champions League Q/F clash

Modified Apr 08, 2025 17:14 GMT

Bukayo Saka (left), Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham

Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Neymar has predicted Real Madrid to defeat Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The first leg is set to take place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, while the reverse tie is scheduled for next Wednesday, April 16.

The Gunners go into this game with several injuries. They will be missing the likes of Kai Havertz and central defender Gabriel, who are sure-shot starters under Mikel Arteta.

Expand Tweet

While Los Blancos have fitness concerns of their own, with Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao injured, they do have Champions League pedigree. The Spanish giants have won this competition 15 times and are the current holders. Meanwhile, Arsenal are yet to register their first success in Europe's biggest club tournament.

Hence, Neymar, who has won the competition once, gave Real Madrid the edge (via Kings League Spain). The Brazilian also predicted the rest of the quarter-final ties. Unsurprisingly, he claimed both his former teams, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Barcelona, will beat their respective opponents, Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund.

He also believes German giants Bayern Munich will prove to be a bit much for Serie A outfit Inter Milan in the fourth game of this round.

Real Madrid star and Neymar's ex-PSG teammate was approached by Arsenal multiple times over transfer

Real Madrid star and Neymar's ex-PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe seemingly confirmed reports that suggested Arsenal approached the Frenchman over a move multiple times. The first of these attempts took place in 2016, with another taking place in 2017.

However, the World Cup winner snubbed the Gunners on both occasions, particularly the second amid interest from PSG. He said in an interview with The Telegraph (via GOAL):

"Yes, I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach. He has a great reputation here in France, he’s well-respected and knows how to develop young players. This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris Saint-Germain was the main option. I decided to join Paris Saint-Germain because this is the project that will help me develop while I win titles."

Mbappe was at the Parc des Princes for six years after signing permanently from Monaco in 2018. However, he never managed to win the Champions League at the club, a feat he has joined Real Madrid to accomplish.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Know More

Edited by Aditya Singh