Why Arsenal and Man City are playing on the same night in Champions League

Arsenal return to Champions League action tonight (Tuesday) as they kick off their quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich with the aim of making it to the semi-final of the competition. The Gunners welcome the German giants to the Emirates Stadium in the 8pm kick-off.

But unusually, the game will be taking place at the same time as Manchester City’s own quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola takes his side to the Bernabeu tonight in what is also an 8pm kick-off. It’s not too often that two English teams play on the same night in the Champions League.

The change is due to both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid being drawn at home for the first leg of their quarter-final. That has led to priority being given to those two games, likely on police advice, being played on different days over the two English clubs.

Atletico take on Borussia Dortmund at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off). Therefore, both Arsenal and Man City’s games have been scheduled for 24 hours earlier.

It could serve as a blow to broadcasters TNT Sport, who would usually show both games on separate nights on the main channel. With the games being played at the same time, Arsenal vs Bayern Munich will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, and Real Madrid vs. Manchester City will be shown on TNT Sports 2, with neutrals having to choose which match to watch.

The broadcasters will also have the same problem with the second leg. Both games will be played at 8pm on Wednesday 17 April.

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