Sports
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Champions League Semi-Final at...
By Joey · 29 Apr 2026
TL;DR — Get ready for the Champions League semi-final clash between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal at the Metropolitano. Preview, predictions, and key matchups.
Atletico Madrid welcome Arsenal to Metropolitano Stadium for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on 29 April 2026. The Spanish side finished 14th in the league phase with 13 points, while Arsenal topped the standings with a perfect 24 points. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 UTC.
Key Takeaways
- Atletico Madrid host Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
- Arsenal finished top of the league phase with 8 wins from 8 matches.
- Atletico Madrid have lost three of their last five matches across all competitions.
- Arsenal are without Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino, and Jurrien Timber due to injury.
Recent Form
Atletico Madrid's recent form shows two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. They beat Athletic Club 3-2 at home on 25 April, but lost 2-3 away to Elche on 22 April, drew 2-2 with Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on 18 April, lost 1-2 at home to Barcelona in the Champions League on 14 April, and lost 1-2 away to Sevilla on 11 April. Arsenal have two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five. They beat Newcastle 1-0 at home on 25 April, lost 1-2 away to Manchester City on 19 April, drew 0-0 at home with Sporting CP on 15 April, lost 1-2 at home to Bournemouth on 11 April, and won 1-0 away at Sporting CP on 7 April.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met four times in the available data. Their most recent meeting was on 21 October 2025 in the Champions League group stage at Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal won 4-0. In the 2018 UEFA Europa League semi-finals, Atletico Madrid won 1-0 at home on 3 May 2018, while the first leg on 26 April 2018 at Emirates Stadium ended 1-1. A friendly in the 2018 International Champions Cup on 26 July 2018 in Singapore finished 1-1.
Players to Watch
Atletico Madrid have several injury concerns. Pablo Barrios and Nahuel Gonzalez are listed as missing the fixture due to muscle injuries, while Jose Maria Gimenez is listed as questionable with an injury. For Arsenal, Kai Havertz (knee injury), Mikel Merino (foot injury), and Jurrien Timber (ankle injury) are all listed as missing the fixture.
Standings & Context
In the Champions League league phase, Atletico Madrid finished 14th with 13 points from 8 matches (4 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses) and a goal difference of +2. Arsenal finished 1st with 24 points from 8 matches (8 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses) and a goal difference of +19. This is the semi-final stage of the knockout competition.
Kickoff Info
The match kicks off at 19:00 UTC on 29 April 2026 at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain. It is the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
FAQ
When is the Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal match?
The match is on 29 April 2026, kicking off at 19:00 UTC.
Where is the match being played?
The match is at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
Which players are injured for this match?
Atletico Madrid are without Pablo Barrios and Nahuel Gonzalez, with Jose Maria Gimenez questionable. Arsenal are missing Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino, and Jurrien Timber.