Arsenal aims for their first Champions League final since 2006, facing Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on May 5, 2026, following a controversial first leg. The match comes after a draw that left Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta frustrated due to VAR decisions impacting the game.
In the first leg, Viktor Gyokeres scored from the penalty spot, but Julian Alvarez equalized with another penalty. Controversy arose when VAR overturned a second penalty for Arsenal, leading to heated exchanges between players and officials. Arteta expressed his eagerness for the return leg, stating, “I can’t wait. I feel the energy in and amongst the team and our supporters, so these are the moments that we want to live together.”
Historically, Arsenal has performed well against Spanish teams in the Champions League, remaining unbeaten in their last eight encounters. They have also lost only two of their last 23 matches in this competition. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid has struggled on English soil, losing six of their last seven away games against English sides.
Key statistics:
- Arsenal has gone unbeaten in 13 Champions League matches this season.
- Atletico Madrid has scored 10 goals from set pieces in this season’s Champions League.
- Julian Alvarez averages a goal or assist every 80 minutes during his Champions League career.
Both teams have a lot at stake in this match. Arsenal could extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches—an unprecedented feat in their European Cup history—if they avoid defeat. Conversely, Atletico Madrid has historically progressed from only two of five knockout ties when failing to win the first leg at home.
Diego Simeone, Atletico’s manager, downplayed the pressure of the match by stating, “It’s nothing more than a football match, and whoever plays better will have a better chance of winning.” His team will need to overcome recent struggles against English clubs if they hope to advance.
The outcome of this match will determine who moves on to the Champions League final—a coveted spot that both teams desperately seek.
