Atletico Madrid welcome Arsenal to the Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Atleti booked their place in the last four with a 3-2 aggregate win over Barcelona, continuing an impressive European campaign in which they set a new club record for goals scored in one competition.
Under Diego Simeone, the Spanish side have transformed into an attacking outfit, finding the net in their last 12 games in all competitions.
However, their record against European opposition in Europe remains worrying, with only two wins in their last 12 games. They were also beaten by Arsenal 4-0 in this competition, a result that will be remembered.
Arsenal have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second consecutive season after beating Sporting Lisbon 1-0 on aggregate.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been one of the standout teams in this season’s competition, finishing top of the league with a perfect record and remaining unbeaten in all competitions so far.
They will certainly be favorites in this game, and Simeone knows that, saying there is no pressure on his Atleti side.
Speaking at his press conference, he said: “Honestly, there is no pressure, there is no pressure. There is responsibility. There is excitement to get closer to a big goal that the club has never achieved. Indeed, there is a special excitement.
“And we have to prepare well, we will play the game we want to play, the game we think about and as I always say, take the game to where we want to hurt them.
“We will face a difficult game against a very good opponent and with a good strategy as you said at the beginning that it was worked very well and well, here we go with all the happiness.”
Atletico Madrid v Arsenal team news
Atletico will be without Pablo Barrios and Jose Gimenez through injury, while Ademola Lookman and David Hancko are both doubtful and will undergo tests closer to kick-off.
Julian Alvarez is also a bit of a concern but could still feature in attack, possibly alongside Antoine Griezmann or Alexander Sorloth. In the midfield, Johnny Cardoso or Marcos Llorente could enter the starting line-up.
Arsenal are missing Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber, while Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt. Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi will all need fitness tests after recent problems.
Bukayo Saka wants to return to the starting XI after appearing on the bench, while Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead if Havertz is not fit.
Expected to start the matches of Atletico Madrid v Arsenal
Atletico Madrid: Cloud; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Gonzalez; Griezmann, Alvarez
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Where to watch Atletico Madrid v Arsenal: TV channel, live streaming
The game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports, and coverage will also be available via the Discovery+ streaming platform.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm BST on Wednesday.
Atletico Madrid v Arsenal statistics
- Atletico have set a club record for goals in this Champions League campaign
- Arsenal are unbeaten in the competition this season
- Arsenal have won their last seven Champions League games against Spanish rivals
- Atletico have won only two games out of 12 against English teams in Europe
- Arsenal have lost just one of their last 11 Champions League games
Atletico Madrid v Arsenal prediction
The first legs in this phase are usually cautious, and both groups may prioritize control over risk. Arsenal’s strong form in Europe gives them confidence, but Atletico’s home advantage could ensure the tie remains well balanced heading into the second leg.
