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Gary Lineker reacts after seeing Kylian Mbappe’s red card for Real Madrid just before facing Arsenal

Lucas Arnold

Mon 14 April 2025 7:35, UK

Usually after winning their first leg 3-0, Arsenal would be sitting pretty comfortably in any Champions League tie, but Real Madrid are no ordinary team.

Arsenal travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid on Wednesday and there seems to be genuine belief in Spain that the hosts will be capable of turning the tie around.

From Mikel Arteta’s perspective it might be a difficult game to approach – can Arsenal afford to just sit in a low block or do they also need to chase a fourth goal?

Either way, Arsenal are undeniably in an excellent position heading to Spain, even if they will once again be without the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes at the back.

In fairness, Jakub Kiwior was excellent against Kylian Mbappe in north London, but coping with Madrid’s threat will be an entirely different challenge away from home.

Gary Lineker gives his verdict on Kylian Mbappe’s ‘terrible’ red card

That being said, Mbappe was actually sent off during Madrid’s 1-0 win away to Alaves on Sunday.

Mbappe won’t be suspended against Arsenal given that domestic bans don’t carry over to European competitions, but it was still a bizarre moment on the eve of such a big tie.

READ MORE: Thomas Partey shares what he’s told Arsenal’s players about playing away at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu

In the 34th minute of the game Mbappe was given a straight red for a pretty hideous challenge on a Alaves player who was fortunate not to be injured.

Gary Lineker, who was talking on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast actually saw Mbappe’s red card just before he started recording, a moment he could only describe as ‘totally out of character’.

Speaking about the two club’s preparations for the second leg initially, Lineker said: “Arsenal, they rested a few players, as have Real Madrid today.

“The last time, I don’t know what the score is now, but it was goalless and Kylian Mbappe got himself sent off, which apparently doesn’t mean he’ll miss – he won’t miss the Champions League game, Arsenal fans.

“But it was a terrible challenge and totally out of character. It was a bit of a strange one.

“I’ve seen it on the, I think it was one of the social media things. But that aside, it’s such a big game for both those clubs in midweek. You can see why they rested them.”

How does Mikel Arteta replace Thomas Partey?

In terms of fallout from Arsenal’s own game over the weekend, a 1-1 draw with Brentford, the most significant moment was arguably Thomas Partey coming off with an issue.

Partey is a doubt for Real Madrid, even if most seem hopeful of the 31-year-old being ready in time.

But if he isn’t, Arteta might be tempted to return Declan Rice to the number six role in Madrid.

Usually that would entail Mikel Merino stepping into midfield, but he’s obviously going to be needed as Arsenal’s number nine.

Therefore, it might even be a game for Jorginho’s experience, a 33-year-old who has won the Champions League with Chelsea in the past.