Atletico Madrid welcome Arsenal to the Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday night for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Atleti booked their place in the last four by edging past Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, continuing an impressive European campaign in which they have already set a new club record for goals scored in a single edition of the competition.
Under Diego Simeone, the Spanish side have evolved into a more attack-minded outfit, finding the net in each of their last 12 matches across all competitions.
However, their record against English opposition in Europe remains a concern, with just two wins from their last 12 such encounters. They were also beaten 4-0 by Arsenal earlier in the competition, a result that will still be fresh in the memory.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have reached the Champions League semi-finals for the second consecutive season after overcoming 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 phase with a perfect record and remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament so far.
They will certainly be the favourites for the tie, and Simeone is aware of that, claiming there is no pressure on his Atleti side.
Speaking in his press conference, he said: “Honestly pressure no, there’s no pressure. There’s responsibility. There is the excitement of being close to a huge goal that the club has never achieved. And of course there is a special excitement.
“And we have to prepare well, we’re going to play the game we want to play, the game we imagine and as I always say, take the game where we want so we can hurt them.
“We are going to face a tough game with a very good opponent and with a set-piece strategy as you well said at the beginning that is very well worked and well, here we go with all the excitement.”
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Team news for Atletico Madrid v Arsenal
Atletico will be without Pablo Barrios and Jose Gimenez due to injury, while Ademola Lookman and David Hancko are both doubts and will be assessed closer to kick-off.
Julian Alvarez is also a slight concern but could still feature in attack, potentially alongside Antoine Griezmann or Alexander Sorloth. In midfield, Johnny Cardoso or Marcos Llorente may come into the starting lineup.
Arsenal are missing Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber, while Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt. Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi will all need late fitness checks after recent issues.
Bukayo Saka is pushing for a return to the starting XI after making an impact off the bench, while Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead the line if Havertz is not fit.
Expected line-ups for Atletico Madrid v Arsenal
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; 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 stream
The match will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports, with coverage also accessible via the discovery+ streaming platform.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm BST on Wednesday.
The stats for Atletico Madrid v Arsenal
- Atletico have scored a club-record number of goals in this Champions League campaign
- Arsenal are unbeaten in this season’s competition
- Arsenal have won their last seven Champions League matches against Spanish opposition
- Atletico have won just two of their last 12 matches against English sides in Europe
- Arsenal have lost only one of their last 11 away Champions League games
Prediction for Atletico Madrid v Arsenal
First legs at this stage are often cautious, and both teams may prioritise control over risk. Arsenal’s strong European form gives them confidence, but Atletico’s home advantage could ensure the tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Arsenal
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