After a 1-0 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League to continue maintaining their championship ambition, Arsenal is confident in heading towards the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid away from home. In the group stage this season, Arsenal once defeated their opponent 4-0.
However, meeting again in the knockout round could bring very different results. Last season, Arsenal also beat PSG in the group stage but then lost to this opponent in the Champions League semi-finals.
The victory over Newcastle gives us confidence. It's great to be here, reaching the semi-finals for the second consecutive time, this is very meaningful for Arsenal and a great opportunity. The whole team wants to control the ball, play better than the opponent and show their ambition," coach Mikel Arteta said.
The Spanish strategist revealed that Arsenal will not have the service of striker Kai Havertz due to injury, but Eze and Saka can still play.
This is a difficult match for us. Atletico has a very experienced coach in this arena. They completely deserve to be in this round because they have tried their best. What we have shown shows that we can do a lot. We are confident that we can win against the opponent," Arteta shared.
In the quarter-finals, Arsenal defeated Sporting Lisbon. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid defeated their hometown team FC Barcelona. Compared to their opponents, Arsenal's journey to the semi-finals was much smoother. They also did not face too strong opponents in the first knockout rounds.
According to Arteta, the first leg semi-final will be very different from when the two teams met in the group stage. This strategist also emphasized that he and the players have learned many lessons after losing to PSG last season. According to him, the team needs to improve their finishing ability and show their best form to have a chance to defeat Atletico Madrid.
For Atletico Madrid, this is the 4th time they have reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 14 years. Diego Simeone's team has reached the finals in 2014, 2016 but lost all matches. This tournament is the only remaining opportunity for Atletico Madrid to aim for a title this season. They have run out of chances in LaLiga and also just lost to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey.
It is extraordinary that Atletico is in the Champions League semi-finals, after nine years and for the fourth time in 14 years. This is not pressure, but responsibility. We are very happy to be close to the goal of conquering the championship. This is a big goal that the club has never achieved," Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone expressed his determination.
The semi-final match between Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal will take place at 2:00 AM on April 30.
