The Emirates Stadium in north London hosts one of the most significant nights in Arsenal’s modern history on 5 May 2026 as the Gunners welcome Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final. The two sides renew their rivalry after the first leg of the semi-final finished 1-1 in a match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano that was dominated by penalty decisions, controversy, and moments of genuine quality from both clubs. Neither side has ever lifted the Champions League trophy. Atletico reached the final in 2014 and 2016 and were beaten on both occasions by archrivals Real Madrid. Arsenal reached the final in 2006 but were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona. For both clubs, this is a chance to end that wait and reach the Budapest final. The winner faces a date with destiny in Europe’s greatest club competition.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM BST at the Emirates Stadium, London.
The First Leg — Drama and Controversy in Madrid
Both sides netted from the spot in the first leg, but Arsenal thought they should have had a second penalty when Eberechi Eze was clipped inside the box. The decision to award a penalty for an alleged foul on Eze was overturned after a VAR review, leaving Arsenal incensed at the Metropolitano.
Viktor Gyokeres sent the Premier League leaders ahead from the spot just before the interval after he was fouled, but Alvarez followed suit 10 minutes into the second half after Ben White’s handball. The 1-1 draw left the tie perfectly balanced heading to London, with both sides knowing that the Emirates will be a very different proposition to the Metropolitano.
Arsenal: Home Advantage and History on Their Side
Arsenal have reasons to be optimistic about reaching the Champions League final. History is on their side, and not just because they have already comfortably beaten Atletico at the Emirates Stadium this season. Arsenal won 4-0 at home in the league phase before drawing 1-1 at the Metropolitano last week.
Arsenal have lost just two of their previous 23 games in the UEFA Champions League. Their home form in Europe has been outstanding, and the Emirates will be a cauldron of noise and passion for what is arguably the biggest European night at the ground in the club’s recent history. Mikel Arteta said last week that he was hopeful Kai Havertz would be fit for the second leg. Viktor Gyokeres is likely to retain his spot after his fine performance at the weekend, when he struck twice in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Fulham.
The Arsenal predicted lineup is: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Gyokeres. Declan Rice has been effectively used at the base of midfield and will continue in that role, while Bukayo Saka is recovering form after Achilles issues and could be decisive in the final third.
The statistical picture is also heavily in Arsenal’s favour. Atletico have lost six of their last seven away games against Premier League sides in the Champions League, including the last four in a row. Their 4-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season remains their joint-heaviest loss in the European Cup and Champions League. Furthermore, there have been three semi-finals in the competition in which the first leg ended all-square since the away goals rule was abolished. In each instance, the team that played at home second qualified for the final.
Atletico Madrid: Simeone’s Indestructible Spirit
Atletico showed they need have no inferiority complex when they head to the Emirates Stadium. After an oddly cautious start on home soil, Atletico burst into life at the start of the second half, and they will be confident of hurting the Gunners in north London.
Julian Alvarez, who was forced off after scoring from the spot in the first leg with a suspected ankle injury, should be fit to start in north London. Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth have both overcome knocks to travel. Antoine Griezmann is on the long goodbye from Atletico, set to end his second stint at the club when he moves westward in the summer. The Frenchman has also inflicted pain on Arsenal in continental competition before, levelling for 10-man Atletico in a 1-1 draw in the Europa League semi-final in 2018.
Only two managers have ever reached more Champions League finals with the same club than Simeone could with three: Alex Ferguson with Manchester United and Marcello Lippi with Juventus, both with four. The Argentine manager will have his side perfectly organised, defensively resolute, and dangerous on the counter-attack. Dismissing Atletico in this kind of European knockout fixture is something nobody does without consequences.
The Wider Context
Between the middle of March and the end of April, Arsenal lost the Carabao Cup final, bowed out of the FA Cup quarter-final, and were briefly topped by Manchester City in the Premier League. However, the last six days have helped to lift the mood around the side significantly. The 3-0 weekend win over Fulham, combined with the 1-1 draw from Madrid, has created a genuine belief at the club that this is their moment. Arteta has said: “We are in an incredible position, the semi-final of the Champions League. We have to play in front of our people. It is in our hands.”
Viktor Gyokeres could become the third player to score in both legs of a Champions League semi-final for a Premier League team, after Sadio Mane for Liverpool (twice) and Riyad Mahrez for Manchester City. The Swedish striker’s form and confidence make him the man Arsenal will look to for the decisive moments that could settle this tie and send the Emirates into scenes of celebration not seen since the club’s greatest European nights.
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025-26, Semi-Final, Second Leg
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Date: 5 May 2026
- Kick-off: 8:00 PM BST
- First Leg Result: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal (aggregate: 1-1)
- Arsenal Win Probability: 56.0% (Opta Supercomputer)
Full match highlights and the complete replay will be available here on AllSportsZone shortly after the final whistle. Free, HD quality, on any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid on 5 May 2026?
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM BST on Tuesday 5 May 2026 at the Emirates Stadium, London. It is the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, with the tie level at 1-1 after the first leg in Madrid.
What was the score in the first leg between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid?
The first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano ended 1-1. Viktor Gyokeres scored a penalty for Arsenal before half-time, and Julian Alvarez equalised from the spot in the second half. Arsenal were furious when a late penalty decision for Eberechi Eze was overturned by VAR.
What is Arsenal’s record against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates?
Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League league phase in October 2025, their joint-heaviest defeat in the competition’s history. Atletico have also lost six of their last seven away games against Premier League clubs in the Champions League.
Is Kai Havertz playing against Atletico Madrid?
Kai Havertz is fit and could feature in the squad. Viktor Gyokeres is likely to start after his two-goal weekend performance. Jurrien Timber (groin) and Mikel Merino (surgery) are the confirmed absentees for Arsenal.
Where can I watch Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Champions League highlights and full match replay?
Full match highlights and the complete replay will be available right here on AllSportsZone after the game, free and in HD quality on any device.