Champions League: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid – Preview, team news, key stats & prediction

• Arsenal hold a slight edge after a 1-1 first leg and remain unbeaten in the competition.

• Atletico Madrid arrive focused on Europe after domestic duties fade.

• Arsenal’s home form could be decisive in a tight semi-final clash.

Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in a decisive Champions League semi-final second leg at the Emirates, with a place in the final on the line. The first leg in Spain ended 1-1, giving the Gunners a slight edge ahead of their biggest European night in two decades.

Arsenal held firm away from home, but frustration followed a controversial VAR decision that overturned a potential second penalty. Goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez sealed the draw.

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Still unbeaten in this season’s Champions League, Arsenal are chasing a club-record 14-game run and a first final appearance in 20 years. They come into this clash in strong form after a dominant 3-0 win over Fulham, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League.

At home, Arsenal have also been formidable against Spanish sides, losing just once in their last 15 UEFA matches.

Atlético Madrid, however, arrive with renewed momentum. Despite a poor run earlier this spring, Diego Simeone’s side have bounced back and rotated heavily in a 2-0 win over Valencia. With little left to fight for domestically, their full focus is now on Europe.

Bukayo Saka is fit after a precautionary substitution, while Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are available. However, injuries rule out Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino.

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For Atletico, Alvarez is expected to start despite an injury scare in the first leg. He recently set a record by becoming the fastest Argentine to reach 25 Champions League goals, surpassing Lionel Messi.

• Total meetings: 5

• Arsenal wins: 1

• Atletico wins: 1

• Draws: 3

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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

Arsenal’s home advantage, form, and attacking depth give them the edge. Atletico’s experience makes them dangerous, but the Gunners look ready to end their long wait for a Champions League final.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Atletico Madrid