Arsenal keen to end 20-year wait for Champions League final when it hosts Atletico Madrid

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Arsenal keen to end 20-year wait for Champions League final when it hosts Atletico Madrid

Yahoo Sports1h ago2 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Arsenal aims to reach its first Champions League final in 20 years, hosting Atletico Madrid after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Both teams are bolstered by returning players ahead of the crucial semifinal match.

Key points

Arsenal last reached a Champions League final 20 years ago
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Madrid
Both teams have key players returning from injury
Arsenal's last final was lost to Barcelona in 2006
Defending champion PSG or Bayern Munich awaits the winner

ArsenalAtletico MadridBarcelonaParis Saint-Germain

LONDON (AP) — Arsenal has waited 20 years to get back into another Champions League final, and 22 years for another Premier League title. Now both are within reach, starting with the second leg of their semifinal at home against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. The first leg ended 1-1 in Madrid last week after offsetting penalties for two teams looking for a first European Cup title. Arsenal will be hoping its home field advantage at Emirates Stadium makes the difference in the return. “After 20 years to be in this position again,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "We are so hungry to get the game that we want (Tuesday) and go through to that final.” Arsenal routed Atletico 4-0 at home in the league phase in October, but expect Diego Simeone's side to be a lot more solid defensively in the return to London. “I’m going to try to tell the team to play like they did in the second half (in Madrid)," Simeone said. "If it’s that easy it would be great. We have a lot of faith in what we’re doing.” Both teams have been boosted by injury returns as forward Julian Alvarez is expected to play for Atletico and Arteta said captain Martin Odegaard and forward Kai Havertz are both available. Atletico reached the final twice under Simeone, in 2014 and 2016, losing both times to crosstown rival Real Madrid. Arsenal lost its only final in 2006 to Barcelona. This time, defending champion Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich will await the winner. Those two play their second leg on Wednesday after a pulsating 5-4 win for PSG in the first leg. Arsenal's quest for a first Premier League title was also boosted on Monday by Manchester City drawing at Everton 3-3, meaning the Gunners can clinch the trophy by winning their last three games. Atletico is only fourth in La Liga, 25 points behind leader Barcelona. \\\_ AP soccer:

Q&A

When is the second leg of Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Champions League semifinal?

The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

What are the injury updates for Arsenal and Atletico Madrid ahead of the semifinal?

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are available, while Atletico's Julian Alvarez is expected to play.

How many years has it been since Arsenal last reached a Champions League final?

It has been 20 years since Arsenal last reached a Champions League final.

Arsenal keen to end 20-year wait for Champions League final when it hosts Atletico Madrid

TL;DR

Key points

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Arsenal keen to end 20-year wait for Champions League final when it hosts Atletico Madrid

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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