Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg, having already beaten the Spanish side earlier this season.
Arsenal travel to Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with both sides now two games away from the final.
Mikel Arteta’s side arrive in the last four while still competing for the Premier League title, making this one of the defining weeks of their season. Atletico also reach this stage with the experience and structure expected of Diego Simeone’s side, and the first leg in Madrid is likely to be a very different test to Arsenal’s recent domestic fixtures.
There is also recent history between the sides. Arsenal beat Atletico 4-0 earlier in the competition during the league phase, a result that showed how dangerous they can be when their attacking structure clicks. However, the context now is different. A two-legged semi-final, with the first game in Madrid, is likely to be tighter, more cautious and shaped by the margins that often define this stage of the Champions League.
Team News
Arsenal’s squad situation has improved slightly, but there are still key uncertainties heading into the first leg.
Bukayo Saka returned to action against Newcastle after a period out with an Achilles issue and is expected to be available again. Arteta confirmed ahead of that game that “Bukayo is probably going to be in the squad, so good news,” and his second-half appearance provided a clear boost, with the manager adding post-match that “he looked sharp… he looked fresh.”
There are, however, fresh concerns around Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze, both of whom were forced off during the win over Newcastle. Arteta described the issues as “muscular niggles” and indicated that their availability would need to be assessed closer to the Atletico game.
Eze himself downplayed the concern after the match, saying it was “just precaution” and that he is “all good,” but the timing means his condition will still be monitored.
Havertz’s situation appears similar in terms of initial assessment. He was withdrawn in the first half, and while there has been no indication of a serious injury, his involvement in Madrid is not yet certain.
Elsewhere, Jurrien Timber remains unavailable. Arteta confirmed before Newcastle that “Jurrien Timber is not” in the squad, and he is not expected to return in time for this fixture.
Riccardo Calafiori is back in contention after his own injury spell, with Arteta stating “Riccardo is in the squad," ahead of Newcastle. The Italy international didn't make the squad in the end, with Arteta confirming after the match: "He was very close, but we have certain players that are coming back from injuries and can play certain moments as well, and we need to be balanced in what we need to."
Mikel Merino also remains out, with Arteta previously describing it as “a bit premature” to confirm whether he will return before the end of the season.
The overall picture leaves Arsenal with more depth than in recent weeks, particularly with Saka’s return, but still with important decisions to make in attacking areas depending on the fitness of Havertz and Eze.
Atletico Madrid also have a notable absence. Midfielder Pablo Barrios is ruled out through injury, removing a regular starter from Simeone’s midfield. His absence could alter the balance in central areas, particularly against an Arsenal side that relies heavily on control through midfield.
What to Expect
This is unlikely to resemble the earlier 4-0 meeting between the sides.
Atletico are expected to approach the first leg with their usual defensive structure, focusing on compactness and limiting space between the lines. Their aim will be to keep the game controlled and avoid allowing Arsenal the kind of fluid attacking phases that defined the earlier fixture.
For Arsenal, patience will be essential. They are likely to dominate possession, but breaking down Atletico’s shape will require precision rather than volume.
Transitions will be a key battleground. Atletico’s threat often comes from regaining possession and attacking quickly, while Arsenal will need to manage those moments carefully, particularly away from home.
Set-pieces could also play a role. Arsenal have been highly effective from corners this season, and in a game where chances may be limited, those situations could become decisive.
The first leg is likely to be defined by control and detail. Arsenal have already shown they can hurt Atletico, but doing so again in Madrid will require a different type of performance. The second leg being at the Emirates gives Arteta’s side a useful advantage if they can keep the tie alive, but the approach should not be limited to containment. Avoiding defeat would be a strong result away from home, though Arsenal have enough quality to travel with the aim of winning.