Arsenal travel to the Spanish capital on Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, aiming to reach the final for the first time in 20 years.
The Gunners enter the tie having temporarily reclaimed top spot in the Premier League following Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United. Mikel Arteta’s side face a battle-hardened Atletico who navigated a tumultuous quarter-final against Barcelona, aided by red cards to their opponents in both legs.
Arsenal reached this stage after beating Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting CP in the previous rounds. They face an Atletico side for whom the Champions League is the only remaining priority, with Diego Simeone’s men out of the LaLiga title race and comfortably in the top four.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Preview: Gunners Seek Historic Final Berth in Madrid
This opener offers a fascinating tactical duel between two sides playing football, which have not always been synonymous historically. Atletico have been a potent attacking force with 34 goals this season – the most they have ever scored in a European Cup or Champions League campaign. Arsenal, meanwhile, have been defensively miserly, conceding just five goals in 12 matches.
Their semi-final routes differed dramatically. Atletico’s clash with Barcelona was a rollercoaster, peaking with a 2-0 first-leg victory before falling 2-0 behind in the return, only for Ademola Lookman to settle nerves and the tie. Arsenal ground out a 1-0 win at Sporting courtesy of Kai Havertz’s late winner in Lisbon before their defence held firm in a goalless London return.
Arsenal convincingly beat Atletico 4-0 in the league phase last October, a result that remains Atletico’s joint-heaviest Champions League defeat. However, when playing at either the Vicente Calderón or Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Atletico have never lost at home to an English side in a Champions League knockout match (P6 W3 D3).
Atletico and Arsenal are the two teams that have played the most Champions League matches without ever winning the trophy – 223 and 190 respectively. Both clubs hunt that elusive first European crown.
Atletico have won 11 of their 15 previous UEFA two-legged ties against English teams, including all three semi-finals. This represents their toughest test yet against Premier League opposition.
This marks the 16th European Cup/Champions League semi-final between Spanish and English teams. English sides have progressed in 9 of the previous 15 (60%) and in 4 of the last 5.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 12 matches (W10 D2) and sit one game away from equalling their longest-ever Champions League run without defeat – 13 games between March 2005 and April 2006. That previous sequence took them into the 2006 final against Barcelona, their only European Cup final appearance.
Atletico have averaged 374 high-intensity pressures per game this season, fifth-most in the competition and almost 100 more than any semi-finalist. Arsenal are closest with 281 per game.
When facing opposition build-up, Atletico spend 20.4% of time in a defensive low block (ninth-highest) and rank 27th for time in a high defensive block (26.4%). Only Paris Saint-Germain (7.8) have averaged more defensive line-breaking passes per game than Atletico (7.1), with Giuliano Simeone receiving 21 such passes – more than twice any teammate.
Arsenal’s four knockout games have produced just five goals (four for, one against), averaging 1.25 per game. Atletico’s six knockout matches have averaged 4.7 goals per game (28 total – 17 for, 11 against).
Atletico produced just 0.32 xG from open play in their Emirates defeat, hitting the target only once – both season lows. Across their other 13 games, they averaged 1.34 xG from open play and six shots on target.
Team News
Atletico Madrid
Pablo Barrios (hamstring) and Jose Gimenez (muscle) are ruled out. Ademola Lookman (muscle) and David Hancko (ankle) are doubtful and will be assessed.
Julian Alvarez carries minor discomfort after being an unused substitute last weekend, but should be ready to start alongside Antoine Griezmann or Alexander Sorloth, who scored twice against Athletic.
Johnny Cardoso, Rodrigo Mendoza or Marcos Llorente could replace Barrios in central midfield alongside Koke. Llorente is also a contender at right-back, though Nahuel Molina may start.
Arsenal
Eberechi Eze participated in Tuesday’s open training session after being forced off against Newcastle and is expected to be in the squad, potentially on the bench.
Kai Havertz will miss out with a muscular injury picked up against Newcastle, though it’s not believed to be serious. Viktor Gyökeres is likely to lead the line ahead of Gabriel Jesus.
Bukayo Saka could make his first start in over a month, having recovered from an Achilles injury. The winger looked sharp in a brief cameo against Newcastle.
Jurrien Timber did not train on Tuesday and is set to miss out again. Though Riccardo Calafiori is available, Arteta could opt for a more defensive full-back combination of Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera.
Gabriel Martinelli has scored six Champions League goals and is pushing to start on the left wing. Mikel Merino remains out with a foot injury.
Manager Quotes
Diego Simeone: “It’s not pressure, it’s responsibility. It’s a huge objective, something the club has never achieved. Ultimately, it’s the footballers who decide these games.”
Mikel Arteta: “It’s a massive moment to reach consecutive semi-finals. It’s the first time in our history, in 140 years, to be part of those four teams is something very special.”
Form Guide
Atletico (W-L-D-L-L-W)
Lost Copa del Rey final before Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Athletic Club. Champions League remains the sole focus with league objectives secured.
Arsenal (W-L-D-L-W-L)
Saturday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle raised questions despite reclaiming top spot. Just five goals in the last seven matches across all competitions.
Predicted Lineups
Atlético: Oblak; Molina, Pubill, Le Normand, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Koke, Álex Baena; Griezmann, Álvarez
Arsenal: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapié; Rice, Ødegaard, Zubimendi; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli
Prediction
Atletico’s fortress-like home record against English opposition contrasts with Arsenal’s October demolition of them. Simeone’s side will create a hostile atmosphere, but Arsenal’s defensive solidity and quality on the counter could prove decisive. Expect a tight, tactical battle.
We say: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal
- Kick-off: Wednesday, 8:00 PM BST
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
- Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
- VAR: Dennis Higler (Netherlands)
- Last Meeting: Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid, October 21, 2025, Champions League
- How to watch: TNT Sports 1 (UK)
Read more – The St. Bernard and the Pub Owner: Manchester United Through Ages
Also see – Unsung Heroes in World Cups: Martin Peters | 1966 England
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