# Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Match Preview, Prediction, Teams, Timings, Lineups and How to Watch — A Champions League Semi-Final for the Ages

URL: https://technosports.co.in/atletico-madrid-vs-arsenal-match-preview/  
Published: 2026-04-26  
Updated: 2026-04-26  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Two giants, one dream — a place in the Champions League final. Wednesday night at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is set to be electric, as Diego Simeone’s fortress faces Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten European machine.

Arsenal reach this semi-final having beaten Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the group stage in October — a brace from Viktor Gyökeres plus strikes from Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli doing the damage. [Arsenal](https://www.arsenal.com/news/dates-confirmed-champions-league-semi-final) But Simeone’s men have evolved since then, knocking out Barcelona on their way here.

#### Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Match Info at a Glance

| Detail | Info |
| --- | --- |
| **Match** | Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal |
| **Competition** | UEFA Champions League SF — 1st Leg |
| **Date** | Wednesday, April 29, 2026 |
| **Kick-off** | 21:00 CET / 19:00 UTC / 12:30 AM IST (May 1) |
| **Venue** | Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid |
| **2nd Leg** | Tuesday, May 5 — Emirates Stadium |

#### Team News & Injuries

Atletico Madrid are without José María Giménez and David Hancko through injury, while Ademola Lookman is also a concern. Arsenal head into the tie missing Bukayo Saka (Achilles), Martin Ødegaard (knee), Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori. [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/sports/ucl/ucl-atm1-ars-2026-04-29)

**Predicted Atletico Madrid XI (4-4-2):** Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galán; G. Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena; Griezmann, Julián Álvarez

**Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):** Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Martinelli, Gyökeres, Merino

![Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/aesrsr.jpg)

#### The Big Picture

Arsenal reached back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time in their 140-year history, arriving as the only unbeaten team left in the competition. Atletico, meanwhile, scored 34 goals this season — the most they have ever managed in a European Cup or Champions League campaign. [FIFA World Cup News](https://www.fifaworldcupnews.com/atletico-madrid-vs-arsenal-ucl-sf-2026/)

Atleti have won 11 of their 15 previous UEFA two-legged ties against English clubs, including all three semi-finals. [UEFA Champions League](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a4-20750001aaf1-63928df51706-1000--atleti-vs-arsenal-champions-league-preview-where-to-watch-/) History is on their side — but this Arsenal side is no ordinary opponent.

#### Our Prediction

With Saka absent and Atletico’s notorious home fortress in play, expect a tight, cagey first leg. Simeone will set up to frustrate, but Arsenal’s quality in midfield should earn them something. **Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1–1 Arsenal.**

#### How to Watch?

The match is broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 & TNT Sports Ultimate (UK/Ireland), Paramount+ and CBS (USA), DAZN Canada, Stan Sport (Australia), and RTÉ2 (Ireland). [FotMob](https://www.fotmob.com/matches/arsenal-vs-atletico-madrid/37wkxc)

For more UCL coverage, previews and predictions, visit [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in) and our dedicated [Football section](https://technosports.co.in/category/football/). Full official match details are on the [UEFA website](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/).

Learn more about the [UEFA Champions League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Champions_League) history and format on Wikipedia.

#### FAQs

### **Q: When and where is the Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal UCL semi-final first leg?**

 The match is on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 21:00 CET at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid. The second leg is at the Emirates on May 5.

### **Q: Is Bukayo Saka playing in Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal?**

Saka is a major doubt with an Achilles injury. Martin Ødegaard, Timber, and Calafiori are also confirmed absentees for Arsenal.