Two of Europe’s most storied clubs, yet to claim the UEFA Champions League title, face off in a pivotal group stage encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Fixture: Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, UK
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 21 at 8pm BST (19:00 GMT)
Coverage: Tune in to Al Jazeera Sport from 5pm BST (16:00 GMT) for barcelona-vs-psg-champions-league-lineups-start-time/” title=”… vs PSG: UEFA Champions League Showdown – Latest Team News, Kickoff …, and Lineups Revealed!”>pre-match analysis, followed by live text updates.
Premier League leaders Arsenal welcome Spanish giants Atlético Madrid to London as both teams aim to strengthen their positions in the UEFA Champions League group standings during this crucial Matchday 3 clash.
Related Articles
list of 3 itemsend of list
Arsenal enter this high-stakes European fixture buoyed by strong domestic form, having secured four wins in their last five Premier League outings, currently sitting three points ahead of Manchester City at the summit.
Atlético Madrid, three-time finalists in Europe’s premier club competition, see this match as a vital test against last season’s semifinalists, aiming to assert their credentials on the continental stage.
Here’s a comprehensive preview ahead of this eagerly awaited encounter:
How did Arsenal and Atlético perform in their recent league matches?
Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, while Atlético Madrid returned from the international break to claim a hard-fought 1-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga.
What are the closest both clubs have come to lifting the Champions League trophy?
Arsenal’s nearest brush with European glory came in 2006 when they reached the final, initially taking the lead against Barcelona before succumbing 2-1 in a dramatic finish.
Atlético Madrid have contested the final on three occasions: 1974, 2014, and 2016. Their most recent heartbreak was a penalty shootout loss to city rivals Real Madrid in extra time at the San Siro in Milan, a match that remains one of the tournament’s most memorable finals.
The 2016 final was historic as it marked only the second time two clubs from the same city contested the Champions League final.
What unfolded during the last Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid meeting?
This upcoming match marks just the third competitive meeting between these sides, with their previous encounter dating back to May 3, 2018, in the Europa League semifinals.
Atlético progressed to the final after a 2-1 aggregate victory, clinching the second leg 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano.
That fixture is often remembered as the final chapter of Arsène Wenger’s long tenure at Arsenal, as the club’s quest for a European trophy under his management came to an end.
Key Stats to Watch:
- Arsenal are targeting their 12th consecutive home group-stage Champions League match without conceding a goal.
- The Gunners boast a five-match winning streak across all competitions.
- Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, remain unbeaten in their last six outings since a narrow defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in September.
Atlético’s Challenge: Proving Their Elite Status to Julian Álvarez
Julian Álvarez has quickly become a pivotal figure for Atlético Madrid, yet the club must demonstrate to the Argentine forward that they are among Europe’s top contenders capable of matching his ambitions.
Speculation has recently surfaced linking Barcelona with a potential move for Álvarez next summer, possibly as a successor to veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.
“There’s always talk,” Álvarez commented, neither confirming nor denying the rumors.
The forward joined Atlético in the summer of 2024 for a transfer fee reported to be around €85 million ($99 million) from Manchester City.
Head-to-Head Overview
- Matches played: 2
- Arsenal victories: 0
- Draws: 1
- Atlético Madrid wins: 1
Arsenal Injury and Team News
Central defender Piero Hincapié remains a doubt due to a groin injury, with his availability to be confirmed closer to kickoff.
Manager Mikel Arteta continues to be without key players Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, all sidelined with knee-related issues.
Atlético Madrid Injury and Squad News
Winger Nicólas González is questionable for the match after sustaining a head injury in their recent 1-0 win over Osasuna.
Forward Thiago Almada (calf) and midfielder Johnny Cardoso (ankle) have been out of action since August.
Diego Simeone welcomes back defender Clément Lenglet, who returns after serving a suspension in domestic competition.
Projected Starting Elevens
Arsenal: Raya (GK); White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Potter; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli
Atlético Madrid: Oblak (GK); Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Gallagher, Almada; Griezmann, Álvarez
