PREVIEW | Atlético vs Arsenal [Champions League, Semi-final]

Arsenal's footballers are within reach of their second Champions League final in the club's entire history. Exactly twenty years later. Standing in Arsenal's way to Budapest, which will host this year's final of the world's most prestigious club competition, is Spain's Atlético Madrid. Just to remind you, the first semi-final match ended in a draw, so all the important decisions will be made on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium. And it is precisely the home advantage that makes the charges of Mikel Arteta's clear favourites to advance. Of course, all the important things will happen on the pitch, but we all know very well that the home advantage and roaring stands can work their magic. One thing is certain, a breathtaking evening awaits us in North London.

Basic information

📅 Date and time	🏟️ Stadium	⚽️ Match	🏆 Competition
5. 5. 2026, 21:00 (CET)	Emirates Stadium	Arsenal v Atlético	Champions League (Semi-final, 2nd leg)

Form

You can find an overview of the current form of both teams in the tables attached below, but I dare say that tomorrow's match will definitely not be decided by current form. A Champions League semi-final, especially a second leg, will primarily be about desire, commitment, and of course, quality.

Arsenal

📈 Current form: 🟢 🟡 🟢 🔴 🟡

⚽️ Results: Arsenal 3:0 Fulham (PL), Atlético 1:1 Arsenal (CL), Arsenal 1:0 Newcastle (PL), Manchester City 2:1 Arsenal (PL), Arsenal 0:0 Sporting (CL)

🏆 Premier League position: 1st (76 points)

Atlético

📈 Current form: 🟢 🟡 🟢 🔴 🔴

⚽️ Results: Valencia 0:2 Atlético (LL) Atlético 1:1 Arsenal (CL), Atlético 3:2 Bilbao (LL), Elche 3:2 Atlético (LL), Atlético 2:3 (pen.) Real Sociedad (CDR)

🏆 Position in LaLiga: 4th (63 points)

Team and expected line-up

Mikel Arteta made a few changes on Sunday against Fulham and generally tried to conserve the strength of his key players as much as possible. From the perspective of the second leg against Atlético, this means only one thing: Arsenal will field its strongest possible lineup.

Predicted Arsenal vs Atlético lineup

Defence

The trio of David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel have their place in the starting lineup secured. No one doubts that. But on the flanks of the defence, it's a different story. Piero Hincapié has settled in at left-back, who was replaced in the match against Fulham Riccardo Calafiori, who put in a brilliant performance. Nevertheless, I expect the rested Piero Hincapié to get the nod. On the other side of the pitch, there are two options, Ben White or Cristhian Mosquera. My opinion? Ben White will start in the starting lineup due to his experience and his understanding with the recovered Saka, who will also definitely be in the starting lineup.

Midfield

Martin Ødegaard will be part of the squad that faces Atlético Madrid on Tuesday evening. Those are the words of Mikel Arteta from the pre-match press conference. Whether the Norwegian international starts on the bench or in the starting eleven, his return is a big boost for Arsenal. Personally, I am leaning towards the Arsenal captain starting on the substitutes' bench, but I will get to all of that gradually. I will start with the player who is guaranteed a place in central midfield, and that is Declan Rice. Alongside him, despite a very solid performance, Myles Lewis-Skelly Against Fulham, the more experienced Martín Zubimendi might appear. As I've already hinted, Eberechi Eze should hold onto the number 10 position. Firstly, he's currently playing very well, and secondly, Martin Ødegaard is returning after injury problems, so Eze starting is much more likely.

Attack

Sure, Mikel Arteta has confirmed the return of not only Martin Ødegaard, but also Kai Havertz, but does it make sense to reach for a successful offensive performance in the offensive lineup? In my opinion, it does not, and that's why I think Arsenal's attacking trio will start in the same formation as against Fulham. Specifically, this means that Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard will start on the wings, and Viktor Gyökeres will lead the attack.

Absences

For the return leg against Atlético Madrid, only [player name] will be out with one hundred percent certainty. Mikel Merino. Most likely, they will not be involved in the match either Jurriën Timber, although Mikel Arteta made no comment on his fitness at the pre-match press conference. I believe that if the Dutch defender were fit, we would have known by now. The positive news is that, fortunately, that's where the injury list ends.

Opponent

🏟️ Stadium: Metropolitan Stadium, Madrid (capacity 70,692)

👔 Manager: Diego Simeone

🧤Goalkeepers: Jan Oblak, Juan Musso

🛡️ Defenders: Javier Bonar, Julio Diaz, José María Giménez, Dávid Hancko, Robin Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, Marcos Llorente, Dani Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Marc Pubill, Matteo Ruggeri

🎯 Midfielders: Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, Koke, Rodrigo Mendoza, Jano Monserrate, Javi Morcillo, Taufik Seidu, Obed Vargas

⚽️ Forwards: Thiago Almada, Álex Baena, Rayane Belaid, Nicolas Gonzalez, Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, Giuliano Simeone, Alexander Sørloth, Julián Álvarez

🚑 Injuries: : José María Giménez, Pablo Barrios

⚠️ Suspensions:

Match

I would absolutely love to see a similar match unfolding as we did against Fulham at the weekend, but in my opinion, that's rather unlikely. At least, from the perspective of clear game dominance and especially the result. With all due respect to Fulham, Atlético is a team on a different level. So, no matter how Arsenal enters the match, I don't think we'll see a repeat of a scenario where play is practically one-sided. On the other hand, if Mikel Arteta's charges can build on their current form and mental state, I see no reason why they couldn't dominate against Atlético too.

Given what's at stake, I anticipate a more cautious start to the match from both sides. However, as time goes on, home side Arsenal should take control, driven by a hopelessly sold-out Emirates Stadium. I am convinced that we are in for a contest, but at the same time, I dare to claim that Arsenal will have more of the play, which will ultimately be reflected in the final result of the match, or rather the tie. Home advantage, quality, squad depth and cohesion, good morale, the return of Ødegaard and Havertz from injury – these are all reasons, large or small, that should tip the scales in Arsenal's favour.

Tip for an accurate result

I firmly believe Arsenal can see out the match to a successful conclusion in front of their home fans. Honestly, many scenarios are running through my head as to what could happen, but I'll pick the one that I think is most likely. Arsenal will win at the Emirates Stadium and, after a long twenty years, reach the Champions League final. I'm predicting a 2:0 win for Arsenal.

Next match

The following competitive match will see Arsenal players take to the London Stadium on Sunday 10th May 2026 at 17:30 (CET), where they will be hosted by home side West Ham, who are fighting for survival in the Premier League. Therefore, Arsenal are certainly not going to have an easy match, even though a look at the league table might suggest otherwise. However, the rescheduled match from the 35th round between Everton and Manchester City has just finished, and believe it or not, the Cityzens players faltered at Hill Dickinson Stadium and eventually drew with Everton. Thus, the Gunners have the fight for the championship title in their own hands with three rounds left in the competition. Now, they need to win all remaining matches at any cost.

See you next time, I'll look forward to it!

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