Arsenal Set to Face Atletico Madrid in UCL Semi-Final

• Arsenal travel to Madrid to take on Atleti in the 1st semi-final of UCL

• The Gunners thrashed Simeone’s side in the league phase

• Atletico are without key players including Pablo Barrios

Atletico Madrid will clash with Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League second semi-final on Thursday, April 30 (IST). Both teams are seeking to return to the final after a lengthy absence, each aiming to secure the trophy for the first time.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico last appeared in the semi-finals in 2016, reaching the final but losing to rivals Real Madrid. In contrast, Arsenal’s most recent final appearance was back in 2006, when they fell to Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Team News

Atletico enters the match with key absences, including Ademola Lookman and Pablo Barrios, along with concerns surrounding Julian Alvarez and David Hancko.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could be without Kai Havertz, but the return of Eberechi Eze enhances their attacking options. Bukayo Saka may get a rare start, while Jurrien Timber continues to be sidelined.

Last year, Arsenal was eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.

On Tuesday, PSG edged out Bayern Munich 5-4 at home in the first leg of the other semifinal.

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineups

Atletico Madrid:

Jan Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Rodrigo Mendoza; Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvarez

Arsenal:

David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapié; Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard; Viktor Gyökeres

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: H2H Record

• Total matches: 6

• Atletico Madrid wins: 1

• Arsenal wins: 1

• Draws: 4

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Match Prediction

Atletico have been strong at home, but injuries to key players may offer Arsenal a significant opportunity. Known for their pragmatic approach, it will be intriguing to see how both sides handle this leg. Simeone is expected to push for an aggressive start, while the Gunners may aim for a draw.

Match Prediction: 1-1