Mikel Arteta expresses his anger after a VAR overturns a penalty in the Champions League semi-final
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid lock horns again this week, with a place in the Champions League final at stake.
It is all square at the halfway stage of the Champions League semi-final, that is partly down to a controversial first-leg at the Metropolitano Stadium last Wednesday.
After Julian Alvarez had cancelled out Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty, with an emphatic spot-kick of his own, Arsenal thought they had the chance to go back in front when Eberechi Eze was fouled in the area.
However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review meaning Mikel Arteta’s side had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
As a result, there must be a winner after 90 minutes to avoid extra-time and potentially penalties to decide this season’s first Champions League finalist.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid is scheduled for a 8pm BST kick-off on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The match will take place at the Emirates Stadium, in north London.
Where to watch Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
TV channel and live stream: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting at 6.30pm GMT.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri at the ground.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid team news
Arsenal are hopeful of welcoming Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz back from injury after the pair missed the 3-0 win over Fulham at the weekend.
The Gunners captain started the first leg but was replaced in the second half, with it later being revealed that he was, once again, struggling with a knee injury.
Havertz, meanwhile, came off early in the 1-0 win over Newcastle last month but is expected to return soon and play a part in the run-in as Arsenal chase a Champions League and Premier League double.
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Martin Zubimendi is likely to return in midfield despite Myles Lewis-Skelly impressing there against Fulham, while Arteta has decisions to make at full-back and at left-wing.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone had the luxury of making wholesale changes for the 2-0 win over Valencia in LaLiga at the weekend and has already named his travelling squad for the second leg.
The biggest news is the inclusion of leading scorer Alvarez after he emerged as a doubt after being replaced late in the second half last week.
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard applauds the fans after the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid. Picture date: Wednesday April 29, 2026.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid prediction
The first leg was a game of two halves. Arsenal controlled the first period but came under serious pressure after the break and were, perhaps, a little fortunate to have not conceded at least one more goal.
Back on home soil where the Gunners have been impressive in Europe this season, we expect Arteta’s side to finish the job and reach just their second-ever Champions League final.
Arsenal to win, 2-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be just the fifth-ever competitive meeting between the two sides. Arsenal did beat Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the league phase earlier in the season, with Viktor Gyokeres netting a brace.
Arsenal wins: 1
Atletico Madrid wins: 1
Draws: 2
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid match odds
Arsenal to progress: 4/11
Atletico Madrid to progress: 21/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).