Arsenal arrive at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night with a historic opportunity. Mikel Arteta has his side on the verge of a first Champions League final since 2006, carrying a 13-match unbeaten streak in the competition.
After a tactical 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital, the North London side returns home knowing that their defensive meanest—which has kept eight clean sheets in Europe this term—will be tested by a clinical Atleti attack.
While they lead the Premier League race, the hunger for European silverware is palpable. With the return of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz to the matchday squad, Arteta has the depth needed to navigate a game that many expect to open up as the clock ticks down. Having already beaten Atletico 4-0 in London during the league phase, the Gunners have the blueprint for success.
For Atletico Madrid, the narrative is one of resilience. Diego Simeone has received a massive quadruple fitness boost, with Julian Alvarez and Jose Gimenez both making the trip to London.
Despite a historically poor record on English soil, Los Rojiblancos are in the middle of their most prolific scoring season in Champions League history, netting a club-record 35 goals in the competition so far.
Facing a hostile Emirates atmosphere is a daunting task, but Simeone’s side showed in the first leg that they are more than capable of winning the penalty battle and finding the net when it matters most. With the tie on a knife-edge, the visitors will look to Antoine Griezmann’s leadership to guide them to Budapest where they’ll face either Bayern Munich or PSG.
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What are the best picks for Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid?
Back Arsenal to qualify
The Gunners are the only unbeaten team left in the competition and have been formidable in second legs when avoiding defeat away from home. While the match itself could be tight, Arsenal’s home dominance against Spanish sides—losing just one of their last 15—makes them the strong favorites to progress, whether in 90 minutes or via extra time.
Viktor Gyokeres to score or assist
Gyokeres has been a nightmare for Atletico this season, scoring three times against them across two meetings. The Swedish striker is in the form of his life, with 18 goals for club and country in 2026 alone. Given his ability to lead the line and his recent creative output (including an assist against Fulham), he is the most likely candidate to be involved in an Arsenal goal.
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Both teams to score
While the first leg was a cagey affair defined by penalties, the return leg is expected to be more expansive. Atletico have not failed to score in their last 37 UEFA matches, and with Alvarez and Griezmann both fit, they possess enough firepower to breach Arsenal’s defense. Conversely, Arsenal’s attacking depth at home virtually guarantees they will find the net at least once.
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Where can I watch Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid?
USA viewers can stream the match live on Paramount+ and CBS Sports at 3:00 p.m. ET.
UK viewers can watch live on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting at 19:00 BST for a 20:00 kick-off.
What have the managers said?
Mikel Arteta:
“We are in an incredible position – the semifinal of the Champions League. We have to play in front of our people. It’s in our hands.”
Diego Simeone:
“Rarely have we seen such enthusiasm as we had at the start [of the first leg]. They won’t all be there for the second leg, but their hearts and souls will be.”
What is Arsenal’s current form?
L-D-L-W-D-W
What is Atletico Madrid’s current form?
L-L-L-W-D-W
What is Arsenal’s predicted team?
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Havertz, Gyokeres
Injured: Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino
Doubt: Martin Odegaard
What is Atletico Madrid’s predicted team?
Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Cardoso, Koke, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann
Injured: Pablo Barrios, Nico Gonzalez
Doubt: Jose Gimenez
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