Arsenal and Atletico Madrid meet at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, with a place in the final in Budapest up for grabs.
The tie is finely poised after a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital, where both sides converted from the penalty spot in a tense encounter.
While Arsenal left Madrid frustrated after a late VAR decision went against them, avoiding defeat on the road has handed them a slight advantage heading into the return leg.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been one of the standout performers in this season’s competition and remain unbeaten in Europe so far.
Arsenal’s record at home in Europe is another major positive, particularly against Spanish opposition, and they will also take confidence from their earlier 4-0 win over Atletico during the league phase.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, arrive in North London knowing their season hinges on this result. With their domestic objectives effectively settled and cup disappointment already behind them, Diego Simeone’s side are fully focused on reaching another Champions League final.
They come into the game off the back of a 2-0 win over Valencia, achieved with a heavily rotated lineup, allowing key players to remain fresh for Tuesday’s encounter.
Team news for Arsenal v Atletico Madrid
Arsenal are expected to have Bukayo Saka available after he was withdrawn early against Fulham as a precaution.
Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are both being assessed ahead of kickoff and could feature, while Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain unavailable.
Midfield changes are likely, with Martin Zubimendi in line to return to the starting XI, while Piero Hincapie is pushing for a recall in defence.
Atletico Madrid have been handed a boost with Julian Alvarez expected to be fit despite concerns following the first leg.
Several players who were rested at the weekend, including Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone, are set to return. However, Jose Gimenez remains a doubt, while Pablo Barrios and Nico Gonzalez are ruled out.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Atletico Madrid
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann
Where to watch Arsenal v Atletico Madrid: TV channel, live stream
The match will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports, with coverage also available via the discovery+ streaming platform.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm BST on Tuesday.
The stats for Arsenal v Atletico Madrid
- Arsenal are unbeaten in this season’s Champions League
- Arsenal have lost just one of their last 15 home games against Spanish opposition in Europe
- Atletico have progressed from six of their last 10 European ties after drawing the first leg at home
- Atletico have conceded at least twice in seven of their last 10 away matches
- Arsenal are aiming to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years
Prediction for Arsenal v Atletico Madrid
Arsenal’s home advantage give them a slight edge heading into the second leg, particularly against an Atletico side that has shown vulnerability away from home.
However, Simeone’s side are unlikely to go down without a fight, and this should be another tight contest, with the Gunners booking their spot in Budapest.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Atletico Madrid (Arsenal win 3-2 on aggregate)
