Image source: Getty Images
2025-26 UEFA Champions League
Semi-finals, first leg
Atletico Madrid v Arsenal
Estadio Metropolitano
Madrid, Spain
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Kick-off is at 21h00 CAT
Arsenal will attempt to keep their unbeaten record intact in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League when they take on Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano in the semi-final first leg on Wednesday, April 29.
The Gunners are considered one of the favourites to win the competition after coming out on top in 12 of their 14 matches, including a 4-0 thrashing of Los Colchoneros in the league phase.
Mikel Arteta's side also beat Bayern Munich 3-1 on their way to finishing top of the standings, although they haven't been nearly as convincing of late.
The Premier League leaders lost 2-0 against Manchester City in the EFL Cup final, 2-1 to Southampton the FA Cup quarter-finals before suffering back-to-back 2-1 defeats at the hands of Bournemouth and the Citizens in the top flight.
Their 100 per cent start in Europe came to an end with a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 and they drew 0-0 with Sporting CP in the quarter-finals.
However, the North Londoners managed to beat Leverkusen 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, while a 1-0 success in Lisbon saw them overcome the Lions.
Image source: Getty Images
Atleti have struggled on their travels this term, losing 3-2 at Liverpool, 4-0 at Arsenal, 3-2 at Tottenham, while drawing 1-1 at Galatasaray and 3-3 at Club Brugge.
The only wins on the road for Diego Simeone's side came against PSV Eindhoven (3-2) and Barcelona (2-0), so they'll be looking to make home advantage count, having won five of their seven games in Madrid.
Atletico's league form has been poor, although they arrested a four-match losing streak with a 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, April 25.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Following their heroics against the Blaugrana in the last eight when they won 3-2 on aggregate despite losing 2-1 in the second leg, Simeone wants to repay the fans for their loyalty by giving them a first final experience since 2015-16.
"It's been a struggle for Atletico to reach Champions League semi-finals and finals," the Argentine said.
"We've built this through hard work and with the support of our fans. We need them more than ever, and hopefully we can give them what they want on the field."
Head-to-Head (Previous UCL Meetings)
Matches - 1
Atletico wins - 0
Arsenal wins - 1
Draws - 0
UCL semi-final first-leg fixtures:
Tuesday, April 28
21h00: Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Wednesday, April 29
21h00: Atletico Madrid v Arsenal
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