Atlético de Madrid will have to go through Premier League leaders Arsenal in order to reach the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 10 years.
After Atlético eliminated FC Barcelona despite a 2-1 home loss on Tuesday, Arsenal played out a goalless draw against Sporting Clube de Portugal in north London to seal a 1-0 aggregate win.
Advertisement
This semifinal — Arsenal’s second in succession, and Atlético’s first since 2017 — marks the sides’ first meeting in a European knockout tie since the 2017/18 Europa League semis, which Atlético won 2-1 on aggregate to reach that season’s final in Lyon, France. Earlier this season, Atleti lost 4-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium during the third round of the league phase.
Atleti will host the first leg at Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday, April 29. The return leg in London will be the following Tuesday, May 5.
The other semifinal will pit holders Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich in a rematch of this season’s league phase meeting as well as last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal. PSG host the first leg on April 28, with the return leg taking place in Munich on May 6.
Advertisement
The winners of these ties will meet at Puskás Arena in Budapest, Hungary on May 30 to contest the Champions League final.
Atlético will not have good memories from October’s heavy loss to Arsenal, but six months have passed and the Rojiblancos are a much different team than the one which sustained that crushing defeat. The coaching battle between Diego Simeone and Mikel Arteta will take center-stage here, as this tie on paper features a fascinating contrast in styles: Arsenal’s defensive security and set-piece proficiency against Atlético’s quicker, transition-focused football.
After Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad, Atlético will visit Elche and host Athletic Club in LaLiga before Arsenal come to town. Meanwhile, Arsenal on Sunday play a potential Premier League-deciding fixture against Manchester City before hosting Newcastle the following Saturday.