The UEFA Champions League semi-finals first leg between Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 April 2026. The match will take place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, with kickoff confirmed for 21:00 CEST.
Arsenal defeated Sporting FC 1-0 on aggregate in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and will now face Atletico Madrid for a place in the final.
Simeone’s men are seen as underdogs after a mixed performance in the quarter-finals, highlighted by their recent 3-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona. Arsenal reached back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time in their 140-year history.
The return match is set for Tuesday, May 5, at the Emirates Stadium. This will be a significant test for both clubs, as Arsenal arrives as the only unbeaten team remaining in the competition, while Atlético comes off a thrilling knockout phase that included a victory over Barcelona.
Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, Lineups & More
Table of Contents
- Tournament: UEFA Champions League semi-final, first leg.
- Match Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
- Time: 21:00 CET.
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
- Location: Madrid, Spain.
- Second leg: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal reached the semi-finals after a 3-1 aggregate win over Leverkusen and a 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting CP, while Atlético got here after beating Club Brugge, Tottenham, and Barcelona in a hard route to the last four.
UEFA’s semi-finalists profile also says Arsenal topped the league phase with 8 wins from 8, while Atlético finished the league phase with 4 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses.
Team News and Analysis
Atlético de Madrid
UEFA describes Atlético as a side built on defensive organisation and strong pressure after losing possession, usually with a 4-4-2 foundation, though Simeone can vary the system depending on the opponent.
Their current Champions League profile also shows a team with 34 goals scored, 26 conceded, and a lower share of possession than Arsenal, underscoring the more direct and flexible style they use in big matches.
The biggest attacking threat is Julián Álvarez, who is Atlético’s top Fantasy Football points scorer in UEFA’s profile and has been central to their run. He is supported by Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sørloth, and Marcos Llorente, giving Simeone several ways to hurt Arsenal if the game opens up.
Arsenal
UEFA’s semi-final profile says Arsenal are impenetrable at the back, dangerous on set pieces, and strong enough to score from multiple angles. The Gunners finished the league phase with 8 wins from 8, scored 23 goals, conceded only 4, and remain the only unbeaten team left in the competition.
Their squad page shows a strong core including David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyökeres. UEFA names Bukayo Saka as Arsenal’s key player, while the competition stats show the team has strong control in possession and excellent defensive numbers.
Head-to-Head Record
UEFA’s head-to-head page says Arsenal and Atlético have met three times in UEFA competition, with each side winning once and one draw, and the overall record standing at P3, W1, D1, L1 for both teams.
Earlier this season, Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League group stage in October, which gives the Gunners a psychological advantage heading into the semi-final.
| Category | Atlético Madrid | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA meetings | 3 | 3 |
| Wins | 1 | 1 |
| Draws | 1 | 1 |
| Losses | 1 | 1 |
| Recent league-phase result | Lost 0-4 to Arsenal | Beat Atlético 4-0 |
Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal Predicted XI Lineups
Atlético Madrid Starting XI vs Arsenal (4-4-2)
- Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Galán; Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Álex Baena; Griezmann, Julián Álvarez.
- Injured: Nico González, Pablo Barrios, José María Giménez
Arsenal Starting XI vs Atlético Madrid (4-3-3)
- Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres
- Injured: Timber, Merino, Havertz
Key Players to Watch
For Atlético, Julián Álvarez is the obvious headline name, while Griezmann and Llorente add experience and movement between the lines.
For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka (a major doubt for the upcoming match) remains the main game-changer, with Declan Rice and Viktor Gyökeres likely to be central if Arsenal control the tempo and create chances.
Match Prediction
This has the feel of a tense first leg, with Atlético’s home intensity and Simeone’s knockout know-how going up against Arsenal’s unbeaten European run and superior balance across the pitch.
The league-phase 4-0 result in Arsenal’s favour cannot be ignored, but semi-finals usually tighten up and Atlético are far more dangerous at home.
- Prediction: Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Arsenal.
Where to Watch Atlético de Madrid vs Arsenal
UEFA’s official broadcast partner list for the Champions League gives the following coverage in key markets: (UEFA.com)
| Region | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| USA | Paramount+ / TUDN / DAZN |
| UK | HBO Max / Amazon Prime / BBC* |
| Spain | Telefonica / Movistar Plus+ |
| Australia | Stan Sport |
| Asia and Pacific | Sony or beIN |
FAQ – Atlético de Madrid vs Arsenal
When is Atlético de Madrid vs Arsenal?
The first leg is on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 21:00 CET.
Where is the match being played?
It will be played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid.
Is this the first leg or second leg?
This is the first leg; the second leg is on May 5, 2026 at Arsenal’s stadium.
What is the recent head-to-head between the two teams?
UEFA says the overall record is level at 1 win each and 1 draw, and Arsenal beat Atlético 4-0 in the league phase this season.
Who is the key player for Atlético and Arsenal?
UEFA highlights Julián Álvarez for Atlético and Bukayo Saka for
