Photo: Getty Images
Arsenal arrive in the Spanish capital chasing history. Having reached the Champions League semi-finals in consecutive seasons for the first time, they now face Atletico Madrid in the opening leg of a tie that could define their campaign.
It’s fair to say that Arsenal’s glorious Champions League campaign has been somewhat overshadowed by a dip in domestic form.
Still top of the Premier League, albeit having played one game more than Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing Manchester City, the Gunners are suddenly at risk of losing multiple trophies in what once looked like a season where the unthinkable quadruple was genuinely on the table.
City were once again the thorn in Mikel Arteta’s side, playing Arsenal off the park at Wembley to claim the Carabao Cup, while Championship outfit Southampton delivered the blow that knocked the FA Cup record holders out of yet another competition.
Now double-hunting, Arsenal still have a monumental chance to win both a Premier League and a Champions League title – but they will certainly have to improve on what have been nervy and uninspiring recent showings.
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European Glory?
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign has been close to flawless. Perfect in the league phase with eight wins from eight, they have looked more assured on the continent than anywhere else, despite never having lifted the trophy.
A composed 3-1 aggregate victory over Bayer Leverkusen carried them into a quarter-final with Sporting CP. A tense first leg in Lisbon was settled by a last-gasp Kai Havertz strike, and that moment proved decisive as a cagey, goalless return leg at the Emirates Stadium confirmed their progression.
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Their defensive discipline and capacity to stay resolute under pressure have fuelled a growing belief that this could finally be their year in Europe. That confidence is only reinforced by the memory of their 4-0 dismantling of Atletico in the league phase – though last season’s collapse remains a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn.
After that unforgettable tie with Real Madrid, Arsenal met Paris Saint-Germain in the semis, having beaten them comfortably earlier in the competition. But the script flipped. A rare home defeat was followed by a punishing second leg in Paris, ending their dream in brutal fashion.
Arteta knows that to cross the line in both the Champions League and the Premier League, his side must be close to perfect from here. Wednesday evening offers the chance to take a giant step towards greatness as they go toe-to-toe with Diego Simeone’s Atleti.
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