Overview
A draw at the Metropolitano stadium is generally acceptable for Arsenal, but the feeling of regret is still present when they left Spain with a score of 1-1 against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Two goals from the penalty spot by Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez helped the game balance, but controversy broke out when coach Mikel Arteta expressed dissatisfaction with the decision not to award another penalty after the VAR reference situation. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone also continuously reacted from the sideline to referee Danny Makkelie.
However, avoiding defeats away from home is still a significant advantage for Arsenal before the second leg. The London team is maintaining an unbeaten streak in the Champions League this season and has the opportunity to set a new record with 14 unbeaten matches if they advance to the final after 20 years of waiting.
Recent form further strengthens the belief for Arteta's team. The 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Emirates not only helps them widen the gap with Manchester City but also shows stability in their playing style. Notably, Arsenal has only lost 1 of their last 15 home matches against Spanish representatives, statistics add confidence before the rematch.
In the opposite direction, Atletico Madrid once reacted strongly after the 0-4 defeat to Arsenal in the group stage, with a seven-match winning streak to maintain hope in La Liga. However, the risk of losing is still present when they have failed in the Copa del Rey and almost have no chance to compete for the throne with Barcelona.
Simeone even strongly rotated the squad in the match against Valencia but still won 2-0, showing a formidable squad depth. However, unstable form in March and April - with seven defeats in 8 matches - is a clear warning.
History also brings hope to Atletico as they have overcome European matches after drawing in the first leg at home, and defeated Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals in the 2017-2018 season. However, this time, a more courageous and stable Arsenal is facing a great opportunity to rewrite history and get closer to the prestigious final.
Personnel situation
Bukayo Saka had a brilliant first half with a goal and an assist against Fulham, before being substituted out early. However, Arteta's decision is only for precaution, in order to maintain the best physical condition for the important upcoming match in the Champions League.
Besides, Arsenal also welcomed positive signals about the force when Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are racing against time to recover in time. However, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino are almost certainly absent.
On the other side, Atletico Madrid breathed a sigh of relief when Alvarez did not suffer a serious injury after the first leg and was ready to lead the attack at Emirates. The Argentine striker even set an impressive milestone when he became the Argentine player to reach the milestone of 25 goals fastest in Champions League history (41 matches), surpassing even Lionel Messi (42 matches).
Expected lineup:
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Saka, Eze, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman, Alvarez, Griezmann.
The match between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid takes place at 2:00 a.m. on May 6 (Vietnam time).
