A Champions League final is within touching distance, and everything is set up for a tense night in London as Arsenal host Atlético Madrid in the second leg of their semifinal. The first meeting in Madrid ended 1-1, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. It was a game filled with big calls, both goals coming from penalties, and a late moment of controversy when Arsenal thought they had another spot-kick, only for it to be overturned. Atletico, though, created the better chances overall, forcing David Raya into a much busier night than Jan Oblak.
That balance makes this return leg difficult to call. Arsenal will lean on home support and a slight lift in attacking form, especially after their recent 3-0 win over Fulham. The return of Bukayo Saka has come at the right time, giving Mikel Arteta a sharper edge in the final third. Atletico, on the other hand, won’t be fazed by the occasion. Under Diego Simeone, they’ve built a reputation for thriving in exactly these situations, staying compact and waiting for the right moment to strike.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
For Arsenal, Saka is expected to start on the right after making an immediate impact on his return. Declan Rice should sit at the base of midfield, with Martin Zubimendi alongside him to keep things ticking. Eberechi Eze is likely to operate between the lines, linking play, while Leandro Trossard adds movement across the front. Up front, Viktor Gyökeres leads the line after getting on the scoresheet in the first leg.
🔴 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 ⚪️
🆚 Atletico de Madrid
🕗 8pm (UK)
🏆 Champions League
🏟️ Arsenal Stadium pic.twitter.com/HPsZFyZVin— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 5, 2026
Arsenal Predicted XI
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Saka, Eze, Trossard, Gyökeres
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Atletico Madrid are unlikely to move away from their usual approach. Jan Oblak starts in goal, protected by a disciplined backline. Koke anchors midfield, setting the tempo, while Ademola Lookman provides energy in wide areas. The main focus will be on Julián Álvarez, who is expected to be fit enough to start alongside Antoine Griezmann in attack.
Atletico Madrid Predicted XI
Oblak, Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman, Álvarez, Griezmann
With the tie level, it’s likely to come down to small details rather than dominance. Arsenal will try to control the tempo and make the most of playing at home, while Atletico will be comfortable sitting deeper and waiting for openings. One moment, one mistake, or one bit of quality could be all it takes to decide who moves on to the final.
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