How will Atlético Madrid line up against Arsenal?

TL;DR

Atlético Madrid faces Arsenal in the Champions League semifinals after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Both teams aim for a spot in the final on May 30, with key players recovering from injuries.

Key points

Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the first leg.
The second leg is a winner-take-all match.
Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz are injured for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka is expected to start against Atlético Madrid.
The final will be held on May 30 in Budapest.

Atlético MadridArsenal FC

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Koke of Atletico Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) | Getty Images Coming off arguably one of the best wins of the season against Valencia, Atlético Madrid travel to London to take on Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals. It’s a winner-take-all match following Wednesday’s 1-1 draw, and both clubs are desperate to end up in Budapest for the May 30 final. Tuesday night’s winner will take on either Bayern Munich or holders PSG in Hungary.

Many at Atlético de Madrid left last Wednesday’s first leg with mixed emotions. The result is not “bad” by any means, but many felt that Atleti deserved to take a one- or two-goal lead to north London. Atleti were sharp from the start, but an errant header led to a chain reaction that culminated in Viktor Gyökeres winning — and converting — a penalty just before halftime. In the second half, ’s long shot from outside the box resulted in a handball for a penalty, which La Araña converted before and spurned multiple chances over the next 20 minutes. The momentum came to a screeching halt when an exhausted Alvarez was subbed off with ankle discomfort That second half performance, combined with the confidence-boosting result at , should have supporters feeling confident heading to the Arsenal Stadium. Furthermore, in three of the *Rojiblancos*’ past four cup ties between the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, they have won the first leg by multiple goals before losing the second leg to just about remain in the competitions. The narrative for Arsenal leaving Madrid was how were the Gunners going to handle navigating two competitions where pressure is the highest for both. They seemingly silenced those concerns by dominating 3-0 at home on Saturday to shift the pressure back on to perform in the Premier League title race. In doubt for Tuesday’s match are Martin Ødegaard and , both recovering from muscle injuries. Ødegaard picked up his injury midway through the second half in the first leg in the Metropolitano while Havertz did not play against Atleti at all. Expect a similar lineup as last Wednesday’s game, with one essential change: is expected to make way for , who scored a goal over his 45 minutes played against Fulham. Arsenal have not conceded more than two goals in a match since January, and in the Champions League this season, Mikel Arteta’s men have conceded just six goals in all.

Q&A

What was the result of the first leg between Atlético Madrid and Arsenal?

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.

Who are the key injured players for Arsenal ahead of the second leg?

Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz are both recovering from muscle injuries.

What changes can be expected in Atlético Madrid's lineup against Arsenal?

Bukayo Saka is expected to replace Noni Madueke in the lineup.

When is the Champions League final scheduled if Atlético Madrid wins?

The final is scheduled for May 30.