Arsenal in the dark with UEFA's official announcement for Real Madrid clash

Arsenal are back in Champions League action on Wednesday night when they face Real Madrid in their quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Gunners surprise everyone when they steamrolled Los Blancos at the Emirates Stadium, winning 3-0 thanks to a brace from Declan Rice and a fine finish from Mikel Merino.

The challenge against Real Madrid is finishing the job, with the Spanish giants famous for a ‘remontada’ - that’s a comeback - in the Champions League, and especially underneath the lights at the Bernabeu

Arsenal are in a commanding lead, but a goal for the hosts could dramatically change the energy in the Spanish capital, and Arsenal still need to be at their best to book a spot in the semi-finals.

In the build-up to the game, UEFA have confirmed the referee that will be in charge at the Bernabeu, with Frenchman François Letexier in charge. It’s not the first time Letexier will be in charge of Real Madrid against English opponents in the Champions League.

Letexier officiated Real Madrid’s 3-3 second leg draw with Manchester City in 2024, with Los Blancos taking a 2-1 lead into that game, going behind, leading 2-1, then going behind to a 3-2 scoreline and ultimately equalising to make it 3-3 and progress to the semi-finals.

Letexier also oversaw Real Madrid’s group stage defeat to Liverpool in this competition this season, as well as a 4-2 group stage win over Napoli in 2023 and a quarter-final first leg win over Chelsea in 2023.

Interestingly, though, Letexier has never refereed a competitive Arsenal game, despite refereeing plenty of European fixtures, so the Gunners will be in the dark as to what to expect.

Kiwior speaks

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has been speaking ahead of the game, telling the club website: “I think this is an amazing stadium. I've never been there, and of course for me this is a very good experience. I think it's one of the biggest stadiums, so I'm waiting for this game. It's important to stay calm, but we have to win the second leg.”

He added on the first leg: “After the game I felt really good. You know that after a game like that, there's no other way, you just feel really good, but I still feel like it's not over yet. The most difficult thing is still ahead of us. So I'm still cool-headed.

“I didn't feel nervous. Of course, this was one of the biggest games in my career. But of course, I had the big game [against Kylian Mbappe] in the national team, but I was ready for everything, and I felt very good before the game.

“Every clean sheet is perfect for me, because this is my job on the pitch. Mbappe is very quick, he's a very good player, one of the best strikers for this moment. I have to be ready for everything. Of course Gabi could’ve played this game but he's injured, and I have to be ready for everything. I didn't wait for this moment, but I hope he comes back very quick and we can train together fighting for the one position.”