Arsenal Host Atletico Madrid in Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg

The Gunners have been nothing short of immaculate in Europe this season, sweeping through their group stage unbeaten and navigating a favourable path to the last four. Their semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid, however, delivered rather more pragmatism than pyrotechnics.

That opening encounter in Madrid finished level at 1-1, with Viktor Gyokeres giving Arsenal the advantage from the penalty spot in the first half before Julian Alvarez levelled the tie after the interval with a spot-kick of his own. Still, the Gunners come into Tuesday's return fixture brimming with confidence following a commanding 3-0 dismantling of Fulham at the weekend, during which Gyokeres notched a brace to take his tally to three goals in his last two outings.

When and where

The second leg gets underway at 20:00 BST on Tuesday, May 5 at the Emirates Stadium.

Television and radio

Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max will broadcast the fixture in the UK, with build-up commencing at 19:00. BBC Radio 5 Live offers full match commentary for listeners.

Arsenal's injury situation

Mikel Arteta could welcome back Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, both of whom were rested for the Fulham encounter. However, Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin complaint, whilst Mikel Merino continues his long-term absence from the squad.

Atletico's preparations

Diego Simeone opted for wholesale changes in Atletico's weekend trip to Valencia, rotating his entire XI as key personnel received a breather. The strategy paid dividends with a 2-0 victory. Julian Alvarez picked up an ankle injury during the first leg but is expected to be available. The Argentine forward has already amassed an remarkable 25 Champions League goals from just 41 appearances—a milestone Lionel Messi required 42 matches to reach.

The odds

Arsenal are favoured at 8/13 to secure victory, with Atletico priced at 4/1. A draw across the 90 minutes sits at 3/1. In the qualification betting, the Gunners are 4/11 to reach Budapest, while Atletico are 13/5. Bayern Munich and PSG lead the outright Champions League betting at 2/1 apiece, with Arsenal close behind at 9/4 and Atletico at 8/1.

What to expect

Arsenal's defensive organisation should prove the difference against a visiting side that, whilst deserving of respect after eliminating Barcelona in the quarter-finals, lacks the tactical discipline of their English hosts. The Gunners' recent form carries real momentum, and with Bukayo Saka already delivering a goal and assist in just 45 minutes last weekend, they possess the attacking thrust to finish the job. A clean sheet victory would seal passage to the final and keep alive their pursuit of an unlikely domestic and European double.