At a Glance:
- Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie Tuesday night.
- The Gunners will be looking to book their place in the final of this competition for the first time since 2006.
- Here are three key battles that are set to determine the outcome at the Emirates.
Arsenal have the opportunity to progress into the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years when they host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano last week, in a gripping tie that was ultimately marred by VAR controversy. Viktor Gyokeres’ emphatic penalty gave the away side the lead in the first half, before Julian Alvarez expertly dispatched from 12 yards in the second period, after Ben White was adjudged to have handled the ball inside Arsenal’s box.
Pressing for a late winner, the North Londoners were then denied the chance to take a lead back to the Emirates when referee Danny Makkelie overturned a penalty decision he’d initially made. Replays showed that Eberechi Eze was clearly fouled in the Atletico box, yet the official opted to reverse his call after being sent to the monitor by the VAR.
This controversy certainly left a sour taste in the mouths of the Gunners’ players, although Mikel Arteta will have been encouraged by the manner of the performance. Aside from a turbulent 20-minute period at the start of the second half, Arsenal controlled the game in Madrid.
An intense second leg is likely to unfold, with everything on the line. With that said, here are the key battles that we believe could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game at the Emirates.
Ben White vs Ademola Lookman
Arsenal arguably looked most vulnerable at the Metropolitano when Atletico were able to build up down their right, before switching the ball quickly to Ademola Lookman on the left. Lookman missed a couple of good chances to score as a result of this pattern of play, and on another day, he could certainly take these chances if they’re presented to him again.
Ben White struggled to deal with the Nigerian’s elusive movement and imposing physicality. If White finds this challenge difficult again, then Arsenal could be in trouble.
That said, Arteta may opt for the more conservative and defensive option in Cristhian Mosquera, who started away at Manchester City at the Etihad at right-back, up against Jeremy Doku.
Declan Rice vs Antoine Griezmann
Declan Rice has been deployed as a number six in each of Arsenal’s last two matches, and this has brought the best out of the England midfielder. He’s able to dictate the Gunners’ build-up from deep, while he’s also given licence to carry the ball in between the lines when an opportunity presents itself.
A tone-setting performance 🎼
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 1, 2026
Dec's best moments from the first leg against Atleti 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/hpLaC76xj1
However, most notably, operating in this deeper role has allowed him to sweep up defensively and prevent opposition transitions. This has allowed Arsenal to play higher up the pitch and dominate territory.
Against Atleti last week, Antoine Griezmann was tasked with dropping into the half spaces to link Diego Simeone’s team’s midfield with its attack. The Frenchman’s movement into these areas caused Arsenal issues for 20 minutes in the second half, and it’ll be up to Rice to negate this threat in the second leg.
Bukayo Saka vs Matteo Ruggeri
Bukayo Saka is back, and he’s thriving. After successive promising cameos against Newcastle and Atleti respectively, the Arsenal winger made his first start since his most recent injury in Saturday’s win over Fulham.
Everything in its right place. pic.twitter.com/7MHvHv7hVO
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 3, 2026
Not only did he score and register an assist, but he ran Arsenal’s attack in the dominant way Gunners supporters are used to witnessing on a weekly basis. If he can replicate this type of form between now and the end of the season, then he could ultimately prove to be the difference maker.
Matteo Ruggeri will be tasked with dealing with Saka at the Emirates on Tuesday. Given Noni Madueke gave the Italian full-back a bit of a torrid time in the Spanish capital last week, Arsenal’s talisman could have a field day in the second leg.
