Rabat – Arsenal visit Atlético Madrid tonight in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi‑final, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Arsenal are chasing their first Champions League crown, while Atlético return to the semi‑finals after several years and aim to build a home advantage before the second leg.
Atleti vs Arsenal 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/9k2S1HYSFc
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 29, 2026
Match details
- Fixture: Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (Semi-final, First Leg)
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
- Kick-off: 8 p.m.
- How to watch: beIN SPORTS (MENA) | CBS / Paramount+ (USA) | TNT Sports (UK)
Arsenal team news
Arsenal remain without Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, and Kai Havertz.
Bukayo Saka is pushing for a start after injury, while Eberechi Eze has been cleared fit.
The team head into the match boosted by a 1-0 league win over Newcastle, a result that steadied the mood after a shaky spell.
Much will depend on Saka’s pace and delivery, as well as on Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, who are expected to play key roles in dealing with Atlético’s pressing game.
Projected XI: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Ødegaard, Martinelli, Gyökeres.
Atlético Madrid team news
Atlético are missing Pablo Barrios with a thigh injury.
Momentum is strong after eliminating Barcelona in the previous round, and the club has framed this as a major home night.
Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez provide goals and creativity, especially on quick breaks.
Projected XI: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri, Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, González, Griezmann, Álvarez.
What to expect
Atlético will aim to unsettle Arsenal in the opening half‑hour with pressure, duels, and fast counters.
Arsenal, unbeaten in this season’s Champions League, will look to control possession and leave Madrid with a result that keeps the second leg in London in their hands.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1-1 Arsenal.
