PREVIEW: Ateltico Madrid and Arsenal clash in Spanish capital

PREVIEW: Ateltico Madrid and Arsenal clash in Spanish capital

Atlético Madrid will host English top-flight leaders Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, where both teams are yet to win the prestigious competition.

Managing the Spanish side since 2011, Diego Simeone will aim to dent the Gunners’ hopes at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Last time out in Europe, Atlético impressed when they beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, including their first win at the Camp Nou since 2006.

Currently sitting fourth in La Liga, Simeone’s men have endured rocky form, missing out on Copa del Rey glory in the final to Real Sociedad on penalties. Furthermore, prior to their victory against Athletic Club on the weekend, they had only one win across eight games.

There’s no doubt that Julián Alvarez is the standout attacker for Atleti, piquing the transfer interest of top clubs around Europe ahead of this summer. Pictured in open training today with Ademola Lookman and Dávid Hancko, it’s a major lift to have their key players back in the squad for their biggest home game of the season. Spanish midfielder Pablo Barrios, however, will miss the tie altogether with a hamstring injury that could rule him out for the season.

Arsenal continue to fight for major glory on two fronts, as they saw out a 1-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League by three points. Similar to Atlético, the only remaining English team in the competition suffered poor form before the weekend, with one win in six, their away leg win against Sporting CP in the last round of the Champions League.