Goodnight!published at 23:00 BST 5 May
Arsenal are into the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.
Who will be joining them in Budapest?
We'll find out tomorrow.
Summary
Arsenal reach Champions League final for first time since 2006
Saka goal gives Gunners 2-1 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid
Arsenal have never won competition before
Gunners will face PSG or Bayern Munich in final on 30 May
Send us your views
Goodnight!published at 23:00 BST 5 May
Arsenal v ???published at 22:58 BST 5 May
So, who will join Arsenal in Budapest on 30 May?
Will it be holders Paris St-Germain? Or Bayern Munich?
The pair face off tomorrow night in the hotly anticipated part two of an epic showdown which started last week.
PSG lead 5-4 after the first leg in Paris but, based on last week's evidence, that slim advantage could be quickly wiped out in Munich.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:57 BST 5 May
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Fantastic win for Arsenal and well deserved! But if we have any chance of lifting the trophy, we need to be prepared because whoever we face we have to score goals and defend like we have all season. Hard final either way but can definitely win it!
James, Wiltshire
Postpublished at 22:56 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to Amazon Prime on the turnaround since their Carabao Cup defeat to Man City: "In elite sport, and football in particular, you have to be at it and you never know what the next moment will bring."
On what's changed since then: "We're constantly trying to improve and work on ourselves and I'm very critical on myself as well and when certain players start being involved and available, it makes a big difference."
On Viktor Gyokeres' performance: "He was immense. You can see the reaction from the crowd every time he had the ball, his work rate and what he's giving the team is just incredible."
On the defence: "It's immense. You talk about Gyokeres and he's the first one to set the tone, the rhythm, and the habits that he shows when we don't have it [the ball] and that's a team effort."
They say attack wins matches but defence wins titles: "Let's go for it then."
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:55 BST 5 May
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Got to be in it to win it. Good luck Arsenal. Lord knows you're going to need it.
Umar, Wakefield
'I don't want to make excuses'published at 22:53 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Atletico MadridAtletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone speaking to Uefa: "Well if we got knocked out it's because our opponents deserved to get through, they took their big chance in the first-half and they deserved to get through. I feel calm, I feel peaceful.
"We weren't clinical enough with the situations we were in. We improved in the second-half. There were things that could've gone our way but they didn't. We gave it our all and now we have to accept the place that we are in. Thanks to our supporters and players I feel proud to be where we are right now. I said we wanted to compete and we have done that. Unfortunately we haven't won anything but we have got to places that are hard to get to."
On the referee decisions: "I'm not going to get into that. We all know it was a foul. We all thought that the referee had got it right. I'm not going to get involved in that because I don't want to make excuses."
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:50 BST 5 May
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Outstanding team effort, everyone a warrior but Gyokeres was special. What a night, what a feeling. The journey continues.
Mike, Ireland
'It had to be Saka'published at 22:48 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaking to Amazon Prime on what impressed him most: "The togetherness. It was very difficult to make certain decisions and I feel a lot for the boys. I know generally how good people they are and some of them, I talked to them this afternoon and apologised and said 'I'm going to play the same team' and the reaction immediately was 'boss, I'm here when you need me' and they gave me a hug."
On Bukayo Saka's match-winning goal: "It had to be someone very special and certainly he is very special with me and the boys and everyone attached with this club. If it had to be someone scoring that goal, it probably had to be him."
'It's worth going through the pain'published at 22:46 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Matthew Upson
Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 LiveIt is the territory you have to go to if you want to be a top team.
You have to show some real grit and determination. They weren't in good rhythm for that Manchester City game. You've just got to have that inner belief and keep going and keep pushing.
That's what the best teams do. It's worth going through the pain.
'The pride in their eyes was beautiful to watch'published at 22:43 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on Amazon Prime: "It's an amazing night to live this kind of moment with the players and everyone at the club, it's an incredible feeling. It makes sense with all of the things we do and we go through and I see so many happy faces and proud of what we're doing.
"It was unbelievable right from the beginning - the supporters waiting for us outside the stadium, the energy and passion that they put in so it was just great to win this."
The supporters rose to the occasion? "Absolutely, they set the standards and we've tried to catch up with them. We struggled so many years to give that joy back and the pride in their eyes was beautiful to watch."
Gyokeres 'growing in stature'published at 22:40 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Theo Walcott
Former Arsenal forward on Amazon Prime
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen Arsenal signed Gyokeres, I remember Mikel Arteta saying he will destroy defences and tonight they really felt that. He loves this.
At times this season he has been doing this, but it's not really been playing to his strengths so I'm pleased for him. When you come to the Premier League, there are expectations to be a certain way but you need to have time. He's growing in stature.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:37 BST 5 May
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In 2006 I met my partner of 4 months from the train, miserable after Arsenal losing the champions league final. In the 20 years we've been together, we've never seen a final. This year we get married. Could this year be awesome for another reason?
Michaela, Kent
'When you have got confidence it is everything'published at 22:34 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Finally from Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, speaking to Amazon Prime: "We have kind of turned a corner again. We went through a stage where we weren't performing at our best. We were a bit sloppy in our play, but we have found a new way to play again.
"When you have got confidence in football it is everything. I know everyone is focused."
On facing boyhood club West Ham on Sunday: "Without West Ham there is no me. They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn't. Not nice to see the position they are in. It is football and I have a job to do on Sunday. It is the business end of the season."
'This group can do it'published at 22:32 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Matthew Upson
Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 LiveI felt they did manage it well. It did look like Arsenal were in control, you don't want to tempt fate but Atletico looked a little disjointed.
I have to believe they are at the elite table and they can do it. This group, they can definitely do it.
Postpublished at 22:30 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Arsenal have been ridiculed in the last few weeks following losses to Manchester City and Bournemouth.
But what a week it has been for them. Premier League title in their hands and now into the Champions League final.
The double is well and truly on.
Image source, Getty Images'We have gone full throttle'published at 22:28 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, speaking to Amazon Prime about Myles Lewis-Skelly: "We have always known what Myles can do. I remember last year when he played so many games. Last year when he stepped up Real Madrid away at the Bernabeu at 18 - I thought: 'Wow what a player.' The manager has been tough on him behind the scenes. He has kept his head down and he has worked so hard. He is in early, gym and works hard. To be thrown in at the deep end and perform how he did is no surprise to me."
On Arsenal's progression: "Where this club has come from over the last few years - things that hurt you as a player. The manager has taken full control. We have kept building - we have kept pushing each other. This competition and the Premier League. We have gone full throttle. We have found ourselves in a good position with less than a month to go. Sunday now is a massive one."
Arsenal showing 'maturity'published at 22:26 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Wayne Rooney
Former Man Utd striker on Amazon Prime
Image source, Getty ImagesWith Arsenal, what we're seeing now is a maturity, you can feel it.
You see teams coming through the Champions League reaching quarter-finals and semi-finals and now they've gone that one step further and that maturity and being together for a few years now has really shown.
Postpublished at 22:24 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Clarence Seedorf
Former Inter Milan midfielder on Amazon PrimeIt was like a symphony [with the fans], they were bouncing energy off each other.
One header defensively - they were cheering. A difficult moment - they were cheering. It was amazing.
'I knew we were going to win'published at 22:22 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, speaking to Amazon Prime: "It is chaos [in the dressing room]. I don't think you can underestimate what we have done in this competition up to this point. I think we have every right to celebrate that moment. The most prestigious competition in club football. We are just trying to soak it all in.
"We knew coming into the game what was at stake. If you can't get up for that, then you can't get up for any game of football. When we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win. I could feel something special building."
Postpublished at 22:20 BST 5 May
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (2-1 agg)
Rob Green
Former Premier League goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 LiveIt was routine wasn't it, and I mean that as a compliment. Arsenal made Atletico look ordinary. It wasn't the most gracious goal from Saka, but nobody cares. Tonight it was a case of getting it done, and they did.
Saka the hero as Arsenal reach first Champions League final in 20 years
At a glance
Bukayo Saka taps in from close range in 44th minute
Declan Rice denies Giuliano Simeone with last-ditch tackle
Viktor Gyokeres misses big chance to double hosts' lead
Arsenal hold on to reach first Champions League final in 20 years
Arsenal reached their first Champions League final for 20 years as Bukayo Saka's goal was enough to help the Gunners overcome Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate.
Mikel Arteta's side went out in the semi-finals to eventual winners Paris St-Germain last season, but Saka's goal ensured there was no repeat of that exit at the same stage - and a Champions League and Premier League double remains a possibility.
With the scores level on aggregate at 1-1 after the first leg there was a tense start to Tuesday's return at Emirates Stadium, with few clear-cut chances early on.
But Saka poked home the 44th-minute winner after Jan Oblak had parried Leandro Trossard's shot, following good work in the build-up by Viktor Gyokeres.
Atletico did have some opportunities, with Declan Rice needing to make a last-ditch tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone in the first half, before Gabriel was on hand to prevent Simeone equalising after he had rounded David Raya after the break.
Gyokeres had a glorious chance to double Arsenal's aggregate lead and ease any nerves, but the striker fired over from inside the box after getting on the end of substitute Piero Hincapie's cross.
But that missed opportunity did not matter as the Gunners kept Atletico at bay to book their place in a first Champions League final since they lost to Barcelona in 2006.
They will play either Bayern Munich or PSG in the showpiece on 30 May in Budapest for the chance to win the trophy for the first time.
Arsenal analysis: Gunners' history bid roars on
Saka reacts fastest to give Arsenal lead against Atletico Madrid
So much of the focus this season has been on Arsenal's attempt to end a 22-year wait for a league title that their superb unbeaten run in Europe feels like it has gone under the radar.
The Gunners, who finished top of the Champions League league phase, have now beaten Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Sporting and Atletico (twice) on their route to the final.
Arsenal produced one of their best performances of the season in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Fulham and Arteta kept that in mind with an unchanged team for this match.
The Gunners boss made the bold call to continue with 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield in what was just his second start in the position for the senior team.
Lewis-Skelly took the ball in tight areas and kept the ball ticking over in Arsenal's midfield, partnered by the excellent Rice.
It was a night of superb performances from Arsenal's players with Ben White, who has had some difficult moments in recent weeks as he regains full fitness, back to his dominant best.
The same can be said of Gyokeres who played a massive part in Saka's goal - and the forward occupied the Atletico centre-backs and ran the channels while providing a huge threat all evening.
This was another impressive win, and leaves Premier League leaders Arsenal just four matches away from a historic European double.
Arteta pays tribute to Arsenal players & fans after 'incredible night'
Atletico analysis: Hard work not enough to unlock classy Gunners
This hard-fought encounter was the type of environment that Diego Simeone's Atletico side usually thrive in.
But unfortunately for the passionate Atletico boss, his team's efforts were not enough to beat the impressive Gunners over two legs.
Simeone's son Giuliano had Atletico's best two opportunities on Tuesday and - although the first was stopped by an excellent tackle by Rice - will feel like he could have done better with his second.
The midfielder rounded Raya but was unable to get a strike away as Gabriel challenged him from behind, with appeals for a penalty turned down.
Atletico threw on attacking options from the bench, but despite doing everything to find a leveller they could not create a clear-cut chance.
Simeone has yet to lead his side to Champions League glory during his time in charge - having lost two finals to bitter rivals Real Madrid - and now his focus will move to ensuring his side are in this competition next season.
What's next for these teams?
Arsenal travel to face West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, 10 May (16:30 BST kick-off).
Atletico Madrid host Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday, 9 May (17:30 BST)
Player of the match
Number: 14 V. Gyökeres
Average rating 8.72
Number: 14 V. Gyökeres
Average Rating: 8.72Number: 7 B. Saka
Average Rating: 8.30Number: 41 D. Rice
Average Rating: 8.27Number: 6 Gabriel Magalhães
Average Rating: 7.92Number: 49 M. Lewis-Skelly
Average Rating: 7.88Number: 19 L. Trossard
Average Rating: 7.84Number: 4 B. White
Average Rating: 7.67Number: 2 W. Saliba
Average Rating: 7.66Number: 1 David Raya
Average Rating: 7.62Number: 5 P. Hincapié
Average Rating: 7.53Number: 33 R. Calafiori
Average Rating: 7.38Number: 10 E. Eze
Average Rating: 7.15Number: 8 M. Ødegaard
Average Rating: 7.07Number: 11 Gabriel Martinelli
Average Rating: 7.06Number: 36 Martín Zubimendi
Average Rating: 7.04Number: 20 N. Madueke
Average Rating: 6.76Number: 7 A. Griezmann
Average Rating: 5.67Number: 13 J. Oblak
Average Rating: 5.58Number: 14 Marcos Llorente
Average Rating: 5.46Number: 19 J. Alvarez
Average Rating: 5.29Number: 24 Robin Le Normand
Average Rating: 5.29Number: 17 D. Hancko
Average Rating: 5.25Number: 3 M. Ruggeri
Average Rating: 5.16Number: 6 Koke
Average Rating: 5.15Number: 18 Marc Pubill
Average Rating: 5.13Number: 20 G. Simeone
Average Rating: 5.06Number: 22 A. Lookman
Average Rating: 4.96Number: 11 T. Almada
Average Rating: 4.95Number: 16 N. Molina
Average Rating: 4.94Number: 9 A. Sørloth
Average Rating: 4.72Number: 5 J. Cardoso
Average Rating: 4.69Number: 10 Álex Baena
Average Rating: 4.63After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
Related topics
UEFA Champions League Scores & Fixtures
Team Lineups
NEW
Select a player in the formation diagram to view detailed performance statsSelect a player to see detailed performance stats, like xG, shots on target and distance covered
home team,Arsenal
Manager:Mikel Arteta
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Substitutes
home team,Arsenal
away team,Atletico Madrid
Manager:Diego Simeone
Formation:4 - 4 - 2
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
away team,Atletico Madrid
home team,Arsenal
Manager:Mikel Arteta
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Substitutes
away team,Atletico Madrid
Manager:Diego Simeone
Formation:4 - 4 - 2
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Substitutes
Match Officials
- Referee:
- Daniel Siebert
- Video Assistant Referee:
- Bastian Dankert
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Jan Seidel
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Rafael Foltyn
- Fourth Official:
- Tobias Stieler
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Robert Schröder
Match momentum
Arsenal
Atletico Madrid
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Arsenal |
2' | Arsenal |
3' | Arsenal |
4' | Arsenal |
5' | Arsenal |
6' | Arsenal |
7' | Arsenal |
8' | Atletico Madrid |
9' | Atletico Madrid |
10' | Atletico Madrid |
11' | Atletico Madrid |
12' | Atletico Madrid |
13' | Atletico Madrid |
14' | Atletico Madrid |
15' | Atletico Madrid |
16' | Atletico Madrid |
17' | Arsenal |
18' | Arsenal |
19' | Arsenal |
20' | Arsenal |
21' | Arsenal |
22' | Arsenal |
23' | Arsenal |
24' | Arsenal |
25' | Arsenal |
26' | Arsenal |
27' | Arsenal |
28' | Arsenal |
29' | Atletico Madrid |
30' | Atletico Madrid |
31' | Atletico Madrid |
32' | Atletico Madrid |
33' | Arsenal |
34' | Arsenal |
35' | Arsenal |
36' | Arsenal |
37' | Arsenal |
38' | Arsenal |
39' | Arsenal |
40' | Arsenal |
41' | Arsenal |
42' | Arsenal |
43' | Arsenal |
44' | ArsenalGoal |
45' | Arsenal |
45'+1 | Arsenal |
Half time 45'+2 | Arsenal |
46' | Arsenal |
47' | Arsenal |
48' | Atletico Madrid |
49' | Atletico Madrid |
50' | Atletico Madrid |
51' | Atletico Madrid |
52' | Atletico Madrid |
53' | Atletico Madrid |
54' | Arsenal |
55' | Arsenal |
56' | Atletico Madrid |
57' | Atletico Madrid |
58' | Atletico Madrid |
59' | Arsenal |
60' | Arsenal |
61' | Atletico Madrid |
62' | Atletico Madrid |
63' | Atletico Madrid |
64' | Atletico Madrid |
65' | Atletico Madrid |
66' | Arsenal |
67' | Arsenal |
68' | Arsenal |
69' | Arsenal |
70' | Arsenal |
71' | Arsenal |
72' | Arsenal |
73' | Arsenal |
74' | Arsenal |
75' | Atletico Madrid |
76' | Atletico Madrid |
77' | Atletico Madrid |
78' | Arsenal |
79' | Arsenal |
80' | Atletico Madrid |
81' | Atletico Madrid |
82' | Atletico Madrid |
83' | Arsenal |
84' | Arsenal |
85' | Arsenal |
86' | Arsenal |
87' | Arsenal |
88' | Arsenal |
89' | Atletico Madrid |
90' | Arsenal |
90'+1 | Atletico Madrid |
90'+2 | Atletico Madrid |
90'+3 | Atletico Madrid |
90'+4 | Arsenal |
90'+5 | Arsenal |
Full time 90'+6 | Atletico Madrid |
Match Stats
Key, Arsenal v AtléticoBasic Stats
Overall possession
Arsenal 53.4%Atletico Madrid 46.6%
xG
Arsenal 1.5774Atletico Madrid 0.526Shots
Arsenal 13Atletico Madrid 9Shots on target
Arsenal 2Atletico Madrid 2Total touches inside the opposition box
Arsenal 21Atletico Madrid 21Goalkeeper saves
Arsenal 2Atletico Madrid 1Aerial duels won
Arsenal 14Atletico Madrid 11Fouls committed
Arsenal 10Atletico Madrid 13Corners
Arsenal 5Atletico Madrid 2In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Arsenal 13Atletico Madrid 9Shots on target
Arsenal 2Atletico Madrid 2Shots off target
Arsenal 8Atletico Madrid 4Attempts out of box
Arsenal 7Atletico Madrid 2Total offsides
Arsenal 1Atletico Madrid 2Expected
xG
Arsenal 1.5774Atletico Madrid 0.526xG from open play
Arsenal 1.4499Atletico Madrid 0.5104xG from set play
Arsenal 0.1275Atletico Madrid 0.0156xA
Arsenal 0.593616Atletico Madrid 0.503318Distribution
Total passes
Arsenal 445Atletico Madrid 386Pass accuracy %
Arsenal 84.9Atletico Madrid 82.9Backward passes
Arsenal 60Atletico Madrid 51Forward passes
Arsenal 140Atletico Madrid 123Total long balls
Arsenal 59Atletico Madrid 49Successful final third passes
Arsenal 124Atletico Madrid 73Total crosses
Arsenal 14Atletico Madrid 13Defence
Total tackles
Arsenal 18Atletico Madrid 21Won tackle %
Arsenal 44.4Atletico Madrid 47.6Fouls committed
Arsenal 10Atletico Madrid 13Total yellow cards
Arsenal 1Atletico Madrid 2Total clearances
Arsenal 27Atletico Madrid 17Watch & listen
Season so far
UEFA Champions League
Key, Arsenal v Atlético
League position, Arsenal 1st, Atletico Madrid 14thTotal points, Arsenal 24, Atletico Madrid 13
Goals scored
Arsenal 29Atletico Madrid 35Form guide
All competitions
Arsenal won
v Fulham
3
0
Premier League
Atletico Madrid won
v Valencia
0
2
Primera División
Arsenal draw
v Atletico Madrid
1
1
UEFA Champions League
Atletico Madrid draw
v Arsenal
1
1
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal won
v Newcastle United
1
0
Premier League
Atletico Madrid won
v Athletic Club
3
2
Primera División
Arsenal lose
v Manchester City
2
1
Premier League
Atletico Madrid lose
v Elche
3
2
Primera División
Arsenal draw
v Sporting CP
0
0
UEFA Champions League
Atletico Madrid draw
v Real Sociedad
2
2
Copa del Rey
Previous meetings
All competitions
Arsenal and Atletico MadridArsenal Won 2Atletico Madrid Won 2
Played7
Draw 3
Previous scores
All competitions
UEFA Champions League
Atletico Madrid 1 , Arsenal 1 on the 29th of April 2026
Atletico Madrid
Arsenal
29th of April 2026
Arsenal 4 , Atletico Madrid 0 on the 21st of October 2025
Arsenal
Atletico Madrid
21st of October 2025
International Champions Cup
Atletico Madrid 1 , Arsenal 1 on the 26th of July 2018
Atletico Madrid
Arsenal
26th of July 2018
- Skip back to previous scores
- Skip back to previous meetings
- Skip back to form guide
- Skip back to season so far
Match Facts
Arsenal remain unbeaten against in the Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, winning 4-0 at the Emirates and drawing 1-1 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium this season. Only two other managers have gone unbeaten in their first three games against Atlético boss Diego Simeone in the competition: Carlo Ancelotti and Maurizio Sarri (3 each).
Winless in their two games against Arsenal this season (D1 L1), Atlético Madrid last faced an opponent 3+ times in a single campaign without managing a victory in 2022-23, versus Real Madrid (D1 L2).
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight games against Spanish sides in the UEFA Champions League (W7 D1). Only one team has gone more consecutive games against Spanish opposition without losing in the competition (since 1992-93): Chelsea between March 2006 and April 2014 (16).
Atlético Madrid have lost six of their last seven away games against English sides in the UEFA Champions League (W1), including each of the last four in a row. Their defeat at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season (0-4 in October 2025) remains their joint-heaviest loss in the European Cup/Champions League (along with five other defeats by four goals).
When avoiding defeat away from home in the first leg of a European Cup/UEFA Champions League knockout stage tie (over two legs), Arsenal have gone on to progress in eight of their previous 10, including the last five in a row. Only versus Benfica in 1991-92 (round of 16) and Chelsea in 2003-04 (quarter-final) did they fail to progress in that scenario.
Arsenal are looking to reach their first UEFA Champions League final since 2006 – should they do so, it will be the longest period between European Cup/Champions League finals by a team in the competition since Atlético Madrid in 2014 (40 years), and longest by an English side since Liverpool in 2005 (also 20 years).
Atlético Madrid could reach the final of the UEFA Champions League for the third time under Diego Simeone (previously in 2014 and 2016). Only two managers have ever reached more finals in the competition with the same club: Alex Ferguson with Manchester United and Marcello Lippi with Juventus (4 each).
Arsenal have only lost two of their last 23 matches in the UEFA Champions League (W17 D4), while both of those defeats came against reigning champions Paris SG (both legs of last season’s semi-finals). The Gunners are yet to lose a game in the current edition (P13 W10 D3), and could go 14 consecutive matches without defeat for the first time their European Cup/Champions League history.
Arsenal average just 0.65 goals conceded per game under Mikel Arteta in the UEFA Champions League (24 conceded in 37 games). This is the lowest goals conceded per game ratio for any manager with 20+ games in the competition, ahead of Frank Rijkaard (0.68).
Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez has averaged a goal or assist every 80 minutes in his UEFA Champions League career (34 in 2,710 minutes – 25 goals, 9 assists). Of strikers with 20+ goal involvements in the competition, only Erling Haaland (74) has a better ratio.
Along with having 14 goal involvements in 14 games in the UEFA Champions League this season (10 goals, 4 assists), Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez leads all players in this edition for high-intensity pressures (899). In fact, the Argentinean is the player who has accounted for the highest share of his team’s high-intensity pressures in the competition this term (16.1% - 899/5,573).
Along with completing the most passes (83), Arsenal’s Declan Rice led all players in the first leg of this tie for line-breaking passes (12) and progressive carries (12). Indeed, Rice has had two knockout stage games with 10+ line-breaking passes and 10+ progressive carries in this edition (away to Bayer Leverkusen & Atlético Madrid); the only midfielder with more in knockout stage matches this term is Vitinha (3).
Based on the xG of shots on target faced (ex. OGs), Arsenal’s David Raya has prevented more goals than any other goalkeeper in the UEFA Champions League since the start of last season (+9.9 – 13 conceded from 22.9 xG on target), as well as having the most clean sheets of any goalkeeper in this period (14).
Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann could make his 128th and final ever appearance in major European competition (currently on 127); the fourth-most ever by a French player, only behind Karim Benzema (152), Thierry Henry (135) and Claude Makélélé (130). Griezmann is also one of only four Frenchmen with 50+ goals in major European competition (50), along with Karim Benzema (90), Kylian Mbappé (78) and Thierry Henry (58).
Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres could become just the third player to score in both legs of a UEFA Champions League semi-final for a Premier League team, after Sadio Mané for Liverpool (2021-22 v Villarreal and 2017-18 v Roma) and Riyad Mahrez for Manchester City (2020-21 v Paris SG).
