Champions League expert picks, predictions: Can Real Madrid pull off a miracle against Arsenal in Spain?

As the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second legs take place this midweek, there are still ninety minutes and possibly more. On Tuesday two teams tried valiantly to overcome deficits but couldn't quite get there in the end as, Borussia Dortmund defeated Barcelona 3-1 to fall 5-3 on aggregate while Aston Villa conceded twice early before rallying with three goals of their own, leaving them trailing 5-4 to PSG on aggregate when time ran out. Ultimately the multi-goal defeats in the first leg for the home teams just proved to be too much to overcome.
On Wednesday, Real Madrid will attempt an epic comeback against Arsenal, and Inter Milan will face Bayern Munich at the San Siro, where the hosts hold a one-goal advantage. For games that finish level on aggregate, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, and if still tied, penalty kicks will be used to decide the ties.

But who are going through? See our top picks below. Real Madrid vs. Arsenal

Player to watch: Jurrien Timber, Arsenal – More than justifiable praise was garlanded on William Saliba for Arsenal's robust defense in the first leg, but his right back was no less effective. If Timber can once more shut down the ball progression avenues through Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, Madrid might not even get close to overturning their three goal deficit. -- James Benge

Man of the match: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid – The Brazilian forward needs to show his best if Real Madrid want to have a chance to pull off a miraculous comeback against Arsenal after the 3-0 defeat of the first leg. Vinicius, who will pair in attack with Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe, already scored seven goals in 11 Champions League games this season, but a defeat against Arsenal would be seen as one of the biggest disappointments of his career. -- Francesco Porzio

Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Arsenal 0 – If there is one team in the world that can come back against Arsenal, that's Real Madrid. However, this time it seems more than difficult for the side coached by Carlo Ancelotti as the Spanish giants are facing some injuries and key players are forced to play in different positions to cope with these absences. But never say never when it comes to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. -- Francesco Porzio