At a Glance:
- Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal predictions.
- Mikel Arteta’s key man.
- ReadArsenal writers preview Champions League semi-final.
All eyes will be on the Riyadh Air Metropolitano as Atletico Madrid and Arsenal go toe-to-toe in a pulsating first leg clash in the Champions League semi-final.
Arsenal have faced Atletico Madrid thrice, winning, drawing and lose one out of three games apiece and on Wednesday, they will be hoping to get another victory under their belt.
However, Diego Simeone is a seasoned operator in Europe, having reached two Champions League finals during his time in the Spanish capital.
With Arsenal narrowly defeating Newcastle United 1-0 and Atletico Madrid doing the same in their 3-2 victory against Athletic Club, a fascinating contest on Tuesday night awaits. The ReadArsenal writers initially predicted which side would come out on top.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal predictions
Alfie Cairns Culshaw (Editor)
Atletico are no longer the gritty, defensively resilient side they once were under Simeone. The Argentine’s team are much more open, while they’re also much more willing to throw bodies forward in pursuit of a goal.
This could suit Arsenal, who can hurt teams in transition when they have their best players available. That said, the Gunners may struggle to live with Atletico’s general intensity and the hostile home crowd will certainly make things difficult for them.
Arsenal are, however, now experts at turning up at lively European grounds, making the first leg a non-event and emerging with a strong result intact. There’s no reason to believe they can’t do the same here, against a weak and out-of-form Atletico Madrid side.
Prediction: 0-1 (Arsenal win)
Srinivas Sadhanand (Writer)
I’m going for a 1-1 draw. It’s tough to split both sides because Arsenal are the superior team in my opinion but simultaneously, Diego Simeone’s experience in the Champions League is invaluable.
| Diego Simeone: Champions League record | Stats |
| Matches | 129 |
| Wins | 65 |
| Draws | 27 |
| Losses | 37 |
The pertinent questions for me ahead of the contest are which one out Arsenal’s attack or Atletico Madrid’s defence will stand up and be counted; the two sides’ respective Achilles heels.
Considering there will be a second leg to play at the Emirates Stadium, I can see both teams being content with a draw and then throwing caution to the wind next week.
Prediction: 1-1
Lachlan Garrett (Writer)
I think Arsenal win this one and I’d go 2–1. The Gunners controlled large parts of the game against Atletico Madrid earlier in the season in the Champions League league stage; therefore, there’s a clear blueprint to follow.
However, Arsenal need to be more ruthless this time, especially in key moments where the game can swing. Ultimately, fine margins decide such high-stakes games.
Prediction: 1-2 (Arsenal win)
Jude Short (Writer)
I think it will be a 1-0 win. Nothing too fancy, but Arsenal showed against Newcastle that they aren’t totally down and out.
Against European opponents, Arsenal tend to do well in general.
I think Atletico Madrid’s methodical approach to chance creation is actually of benefit to Arsenal for this game. It is a Diego Simeone side though…you never know!
Prediction: 0-1 (Arsenal win)
Arsenal’s key player vs Atletico Madrid
Alfie: Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka. Let’s not beat around the bush here. If Arsenal’s talisman is able to start, he’s instantly the key man for the Gunners. Furthermore, Saka’s statistics in the Champions League speak for themselves.
- Matches: 26
- Goals: 12
- Assists: 8
He has the ability to unlock any game, something that cannot be said of all of Mikel Arteta’s other attackers right now. This may also be the first time we see Saka’s combination with Martin Odegaard returning to full fitness once again, which is an exciting prospect for the supporters.
Saka is back and he’s ready to define his legacy in a crucial Champions League semi-final.
Srinivas: Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes scored a header in the reverse fixture and primarily due to how outstanding of an aerial threat the Brazilian is, I’ve chosen him as Arsenal’s key player.
I don’t have much faith in Arsenal’s attack, even though players like Saka and Eberechi Eze are well capable of producing a moment of magic when the chips are down.
But all in all, the Gunners do not have a world-class attack but in Gabriel and Declan Rice, they boast of one of the greatest set-pieces duos the game has ever seen.
With the 27-year-old also being an elite defender, who will be instrumental to keeping the likes of Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann at bay, Gabriel’s importance to his side cannot be overstated.
Lachlan: Eberechi Eze
For me, Eberechi Eze is the key man; we have to give him the keys and let him dictate play, because he brings the unpredictability we’ve lacked recently.
At the same time, Martinelli is one to watch; he caused Atletico Madrid real problems at the Emirates last time with his direct running and energy.
If both of them click, I think Arsenal edge it.
Jude: Martin Odegaard
I think that the most important player versus Atletico tomorrow will be Odegaard. He has shown at points this season that, while he is not the dynamic box-crasher of seasons gone by, he can offer a real sense of control against teams who defend rigorously.
Some examples include games against Manchester United away, Aston Villa at home and Brighton at home from this season.
I think that when you put him up against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, the slower pace of play and the likeliness of Arsenal to have a lot of the ball will mean Odegaard can keep play ticking and fully regain his mojo in what will be his third game back.
