Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

Arsenal return to European action as they travel to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final encounter on Wednesday night.

The Gunners ended their four-game domestic winless run in their last outing as they overcame Newcastle 1-0 in a tightly contested match. Eberechi Eze found the winning moment with a stunning strike from the edge of the box inside the opening 10 minutes.

Atletico also brought a poor run of home soil form to an end with a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao last time out. Alexander Sørloth's brace added to an Antoine Griezmann strike as the Rojiblancos came from behind to defeat Bilbao.

This will be yet another huge test for Mikel Arteta's side as they look to put themselves in a good position to reach just their second ever Champions League final in the midst of a dramatic Premier League title race.

Here's our preview of Arsenal's semi-final trip to Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

What time does Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal kick off?

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal kicks off on Wednesday 29 April at 20:00 BST.

• When is kick off? Wednesday 29 April, 2026
• What time is kick off? 20:00 BST
• Where is it played? Estadio Metropolitano
• Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal head-to-head record

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal previous meetings

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal

Atletico Madrid team news

Pablo Barrios and Jose Gimenez will both miss out as they recover from respective injuries while Ademola Lookman and David Hancko are also doubts for the first leg, but will be assessed pre-match.

Julian Alvarez is also a potential absentee as he has been dealing with discomfort. Having sat out as an unused substitute at the weekend though, he should be able to return to the starting lineup, pairing with either Antoine Griezmann or Alexander Sørloth in attack.

Johnny Cardoso, Rodrigo Mendoza or Marcos Llorente could come back in to replace Barrios as the central midfield starter alongside Koke. The latter may start at right back, but Nahuel Molina could get the nod.

Predicted Atletico Madrid lineup vs Arsenal: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Gonzalez; Griezmann, Alvarez

Arsenal team news

Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber were both absent from training on Tuesday, but there is some optimism the former could be available after being substituted against Newcastle. Eberechi Eze was also forced off in the win over the Magpies, but he was spotted in training so should be involved.

Gabriel Martinelli could start on the left flank in his place and will be looking to add to his impressive Champions League goal tally. Viktor Gyökeres will likely replace Havertz as the starting striker and will be looking to find the back of the net against Atletico, having done so twice in October's league phase encounter.

Having come off the bench to make his return from injury at the weekend, Bukayo Saka could be in line for a start on the right flank, replacing Noni Madueke, whose performances have been below par in recent games.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Atletico Madrid: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal score prediction

This is possibly one of the most difficult games to predict. Two teams that pride themselves on their defensive abilities and cautious approach going head to head in a European semi-final, this isn't a match that will be blessed with goals.

Arsenal were the dominant victors in the last meeting between these two sides earlier this season, but this tie will be a different story with the stakes so high.

The Gunners will keep their Champions League unbeaten run intact, but there will be nothing to seperate the sides on Wednesday night as they will play out a draw to set up a dramatic second leg.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

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