Real Madrid seeks redemption, is Arteta's fire real?

Real Madrid still believe they can turn the tie around, but Arsenal's growing pressure adds another layer.

Bayern Munich is in the driving seat. Can Real Madrid haul themselves back into the tie on Wednesday? (Photo credit: ESPN)

It's the day of reckoning for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. All the talks of fire, energy, and readiness to get the job done will be tested on Wednesday when the Gunners face Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of their Champions League tie.

Before we delve into the Wednesday fixtures, it's important to celebrate PSG and Atletico Madrid, who both advanced to the last four of the tournament after impressive results in their respective fixtures on Tuesday night.

PSG knew all they had to do was avoid defeat at Anfield. 

The champions soaked up pressure when the Kops raised the bar, then hit the Reds hard. 

Ousmane Dembele silenced the Anfield crowd early in the second half, but there's a bigger worry for Arne Slot and everyone at Liverpool.

Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off after he crashed to the ground while chasing a loose ball. 

The sight wasn't good, with initial thoughts believed to be a long-term injury. Ekitike's participation in the 2026 World Cup is under threat as it stands.

Elsewhere on the night, Atletico Madrid saw off Barcelona in an explosive quarter-final second leg clash. 

It was eventually more of what happened in the first leg, with Eric Garcia seeing red for similar offense Pau Cubarsi committed in the first leg.

Atletico Madrid will now wait for what happens in the game between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon.

While PSG will wait to see if Real Madrid overturns their 2-1 deficit against Bayern Munich or the German champions keep things as they are.

Arsenal's season is falling apart. 

A win away at Sporting papered over the cracks, but the loss at home to Bournemouth at the weekend exposed Arsenal's frailties again. 

Arsenal must beat Sporting to avoid media scrutiny ahead of their big clash against City at the weekend.

Mikel Arteta has talked tough in the media. 

The Arsenal manager has spoken about fire, and he has spoken about performance. 

Despite talks of some of his regulars, including Declan Rice, being doubtful for the visit of Sporting Lisbon, Arteta has no excuses.

At the other end on Wednesday, it's arguably the biggest fixture of the season for both sides. 

Real Madrid is no longer in the title conversation in La Liga after slipping nine points off the pace; the Los Blancos must beat Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

A 2-1 deficit is nothing for a good side to overturn. 

Real Madrid has done this many times in the past. 

Bayern Munich is not a small fry; you know this by how rampaging they have been this season. This is a fixture to watch.