Preview: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid prediction, odds, where to watch, time | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 semi-final second leg
Can Mikel Arteta propel the Gunners to the UCL finals after two decades?
The Emirates Stadium in the red corner of North London is all set to host the second leg semi-final fixture of the UEFA Champions League featuring English giants Arsenal and the team from the Spanish capital, Atletico Madrid.
The first leg was a tale of two penalties, where Gyokeres’ penalty was levelled by Julian Alvarez. Arsenal will have a home advantage at the Emirates. In their last five games, they managed to win two and succumbed to a defeat against Manchester City in the English Premier League.
Despite reaching the semi-finals in the last two editions and coming close to domestic and continental glory, Arsenal have been trophyless. But Mikel Arteta has a golden chance to rewrite a new chapter in Arsenal’s history and propel the Gunners to the UCL finals after 20 years.
Atletico Madrid‘s path to the UCL semi-finals has not been an easy one. They are coming after defeating Club Brugge, Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona in the knockout stages. Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez are in top form for the Madrid outfit and will be keen to get the better of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
It was back in 2016 when Atleti reached the finals of the UEFA Champions League, and Argentine gaffer can take Atletico back to the biggest game of Europe after a decade. The road to Puskas will be tough, but Diego Simeone’s men are in sublime form and will be eyeing another upset in North London.
Kick-off:
- Location: London, UK
- Stadium: Emirates Stadium
- Date: Wednesday, May 6
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST
- Referee: TBD
- VAR: In use
Players to Watch
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
The English midfielder switched from West Ham to London neighbours Arsenal in 2023. In 11 games, so far, he has three goal contributions, including a goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16. He was part of the Gunners squad that won the FA Community Shield in 2023-24.
He is unarguably one of the finest midfielders in the world. In such clutch games, when his team needs him the most, he will need to step up and unleash his beast against Atletico. It will be interesting to see his link-up play with Martinelli on the left wing.
Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid)
The Nigerian winger has plied his trade with Atalanta, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before finding his new home in the Spanish capital city of Madrid. He played a crucial role in helping Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League. He will be keen to add another European title to his name with Atletico.
In 14 games, he has six goal contributions, including three goals and three assists. He will be tasked with the responsibility to accelerate through the wings and constantly create opportunities upfront for Sorloth and Griezmann.
Match Facts
- The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw after Alvarez and Gyokeres scored penalty goals.
- Arsenal defeated Atletico 4-0 in the UCL League phase back in October
- Atletico have never won at the Emirates in any competition so far.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Betting Tips and Odds
- Atletico to win – 17/4 with bet365
- Ademola Lookman to score first – 5/2 with bet365
- Arsenal 1-2 Atletico Madrid – 16/1 with bet365
Injury and Team News
Arsenal will miss the presence of Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
Atletico will miss the presence of Jose Gimenez, Nicolas Gonzalez and Pablo Barrios.
Head-to-Head
Total games – 4
Arsenal won – 1
Atletico won – 1
Matches drawn – 2
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Raya (GK); White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Atletico predicted lineup (4-4-2)
Oblak (GK); Llorente, Pubil, Hancko, Ruggeri; Mendoza, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Sorloth
Match Prediction
Despite Arsenal being the favourites and all odds in favour of the Gunners, we expect a thrilling win for Atletico in the dying minutes of the game and clinch their first win at the Emirates.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Telecast Details
India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network
UK: TNT Sports, Amazon Prime, BBC
US: Paramount+, TUDN
Nigeria: DAZN
When and where is the Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid UCL match?
The match will take place on Wednesday, May 6, at 12:30 a.m. IST at the Emirates Stadium in North London.
Where and how to watch UCL in the UK?
TNT Sports, Amazon Prime, and BBC will stream all the games for the fans in the UK.
Where and how to watch UCL in India?
Sony Liv app and website will come up with the live streaming of all matches.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.