Arsenal face Atletico Madrid this week in the first leg if their Europa League semi-final and Arsene Wenger will be looking to win his first ever European title after he announced that his 22 year stay at the Emirates will come to an end this summer.
However, to make that dream a reality, the Gunners must first overcome the Spanish side in this two-legged tie, which will prove difficult given the players at their disposal.
Atleti currently sit second in the Spanish league, ahead of Real Madrid, and also have European pedigree having won the Europa League in 2012 and having reached the Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are currently sixth in the Premier League, 11 points behind Tottenham Hotspur who occupy fourth spot, meaning their only realistic chance of qualifying for next year’s Champions League is to win the Europa League this year.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will miss the match due to being cup-tied, while Mesut Ozil is an injury doubt.
Here’s a look at four key battles that could affect the outcome of the tie…
