The biggest game in the history of Arsenal Football Club and Atlético Madrid will take centre stage when both sides lock horns at the Emirates on May 5, 2026.
The second leg between Arsenal and Atlético Madrid is finely poised after a tense 1–1 draw in the first leg in Madrid. With a place in the Champions League final on the line, this clash at the Emirates Stadium is shaping into a high-stakes tactical battle.
Mikel Arteta’s side come into this game on the back of an emphatic 3–0 win over Fulham, a result that boosted confidence and rhythm. Arsenal have been strong at home in Europe, winning most of their matches at the Emirates which gives them a boost ahead of the clash against Atlético.
Key players like Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyökeres are in form. However, there are minor injury concerns, with players like Kai Havertz not fully certain.
Atlético Madrid come into this game with a large chunk of its team fully rested after it left them out of the weekend League game against Valencia.
They rotated heavily in La Liga to stay fresh for this match, a clear signal of priority. Antoine Griezmann has called for greater attacking intensity from his teammates after a strong second-half showing in the first leg.
Head to Head: Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid
This is a tight and low-margin fixture between two sides, as they have developed effective tactics and discipline.
Total meetings: 6 matches
Arsenal wins: 2
Atlético Madrid wins: 1
Draws: 3
Team news: Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid
The meetings have included highlighting how they are evenly matched. Arsenal recorded a dominant 4–0 win earlier this season in the Champions League group phase.
Atlético knocked Arsenal out in the 2017/18 Europa League semi-final, showing their knockout pedigree.
Arsenal (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya
DEF: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié
MID: Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice
ATT: Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli
Atlético Madrid:
GK: Jan Oblak
DEF: Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, Matteo Ruggeri
MID: Marcos Llorente, Koke, Rodrigo De Paul
Attacking MID: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Lino
ATT: Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvarez
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Atlético Madrid ( Atlético to qualify on penalties)