Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Overview
Who: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
What: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Matchday 3
Where: Emirates Stadium, London, United Kingdom
When: Tuesday, October 21 at 8:00 p.m. BST (19:00 GMT)
How to Watch: Full build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 5 p.m. (16:00 GMT) with live commentary.
Two of Europe’s most celebrated clubs that have never lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy are set for a mouth-watering clash in London. Premier League leaders Arsenal host La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in a high-stakes Group Stage showdown as both sides fight to secure qualification in the early stages of Europe’s top competition.
Form Guide and Recent Results
Arsenal enter the contest in excellent domestic form, sitting three points clear at the top of the English Premier League after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid resumed La Liga action following the international break with a 1-0 victory over Osasuna, extending their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions since a narrow defeat to Liverpool in September.
Both sides are riding impressive momentum and will look to translate domestic dominance into continental success.
Champions League History and Background
Despite their storied histories, neither club has claimed the UEFA Champions League trophy.
- Arsenal’s closest attempt came in 2006, when they led Barcelona 1-0 in the final before losing 2-1 in Paris.
- Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have been finalists three times (1974, 2014, 2016), suffering heartbreaking defeats — including their dramatic 2016 penalty loss to Real Madrid at Milan’s San Siro.
Both clubs now see the 2025/26 campaign as a golden opportunity to end their Champions League droughts.
Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have met only twice before in European competition:
- 2018 UEFA Europa League Semifinal: Atletico won 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-0 home victory.
- The match marked the end of Arsène Wenger’s era at Arsenal, as the Frenchman’s 22-year reign ended without a European trophy.
Head-to-Head Summary:
- Arsenal Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
- Atletico Madrid Wins: 1
Key Storyline: Julian Alvarez Leading Atletico’s European Charge
Atletico’s marquee forward Julian Alvarez is the man to watch. Since his €85 million ($99m) transfer from Manchester City in 2024, the Argentine has become the focal point of Diego Simeone’s attack.
Alvarez’s goal-scoring form has sparked speculation of a future Barcelona move, but the player remains focused:
“People always talk,” Alvarez said. “My job is to perform for Atletico.”
Tuesday’s showdown is a major test for Atletico’s ambitions — and a chance to prove they can challenge Europe’s elite.
Team News: Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces several injury concerns:
- Piero Hincapié (groin strain) is a late fitness test.
- Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus are all sidelined with knee injuries.
Despite the absences, Arsenal’s squad depth has kept them firing on all fronts.
Predicted Arsenal Starting XI:
Raya (GK); White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli
Team News: Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone also has several injury issues to navigate:
- Nice Gonzalez (head injury) is doubtful after being forced off against Osasuna.
- Thiago Almada (calf) and Johnny Cardoso (ankle) remain long-term absentees.
- Defender Clément Lenglet returns after serving a domestic suspension and is expected to start.
Predicted Atletico Madrid Starting XI:
Oblak (GK); Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Gallagher, Almada; Griezmann, Alvarez
Stat Attack
- Arsenal have kept 11 consecutive Champions League home clean sheets, a record they’ll aim to extend.
- The Gunners are on a five-match winning streak across all competitions.
- Atletico Madrid remain unbeaten in six games since their defeat to Liverpool.
Both teams boast formidable defensive records, hinting at a tactical and tightly contested encounter at the Emirates.
Match Prediction
Given Arsenal’s home dominance and Atletico’s counterattacking prowess, expect a high-intensity tactical battle.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 1 – 1 Atletico Madrid
A draw would keep both sides in strong contention as the Champions League group stage intensifies.
Match Facts Summary
- Fixture: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Kickoff: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – 8:00 PM BST
- Live Coverage: Al Jazeera Sport
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