Steven Gerrard supports Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, believing they can secure a spot in the final. The first leg takes place tonight, with the second leg scheduled for May 5.
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The Gunners face Atletico Madrid tonight before the second leg on 5 May (Reuters)
Steven Gerrard has backed Arsenal to book a place in the Champions League final this season, and the former Liverpool captain believes that Atletico Madrid are “there for the taking” in the clubs’ semi-final tie.
The Gunners have travelled to Madrid to face Diego Simeone’s side in the first leg of their semi-final tie at the Metropolitano this evening, with Mikel Arteta’s men hoping for the kind of result that would help them put one foot in May’s final in Budapest.
And while Arsenal are dealing with a few notable injury issues as they face a tricky Atletico side in a difficult first leg, Gerrard believes the Gunners are favourites to book a place in the Champions League final on 30 May.
“You can come across teams in the semi-final where you’re the underdogs, and you can be a little bit fearful. [But] I think this Atletico team are there for the taking. I don’t think they’re as good as they were years ago, and I don’t think they’re as strong and as solid and as tactical,” said Gerrard on TNT Sports ahead of kick-off.
Steven Gerrard believes Arsenal can overcome Atletico Madrid and reach the Champions League final, stating that Atletico are 'there for the taking.'
The second leg of the Champions League semi-final is scheduled for May 5.
Arsenal is dealing with a few notable injury issues as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final tie.
Mikel Arteta criticized the VAR decision to overturn a penalty for Eberechi Eze, calling it 'completely unacceptable'. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
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The Gunners remain in the hunt for both European and domestic glory this season (PA)
“Of course they’ll raise their game tonight, it will be a challenge, but I think this is a wonderful opportunity for Arsenal to try and grab it, try get it done tonight or to put themselves with one foot in that final.”
Arsenal came close to another European final last season but they exited the competition at the semi-final stage, going out to eventual winners PSG 3-1 on aggregate.
However, they remain one of the favourites in the Champions League this season, and Gerrard believes they might not get a better chance as they look to make a first European Cup final since 2006.
“These Arsenal players have played in big games, they’ve been together for a good period of time. I think Mikel [Arteta] has done a fantastic job,” explained Gerrard.
“If you draw Atletico Madrid in the condition they’re in – with all due respect, they have got fantastic players and a good manager – but I don’t think Arsenal will get a better opportunity to reach a Champions League final in the next 10 years,” added the former Liverpool captain, who himself won the competition in 2005.
The Gunners face the Spanish side in the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano this evening before the second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday, 5 May.