UCL: Atlético De Madrid v Arsenal

We're on to Spain

After a nervy 1-0 home victory against Newcastle, Arsenal begin their semifinal tie with Atlético de Madrid. Mikel Arteta has led his team to back to back semi-finals for the first time ever in this competition, and after failing to reach the final a year ago, will be desperate to do one better.

When the two sides met earlier in the campaign, Arsenal sprung to life in the second half, eventually winning 4-0. That sort of scoring feels like a distant memory for Gooners. Diego Simeone will have his side and the crowd well up for this one. The sides have met in a semi-final previously, albeit the Europa League in 2018; however, Simeone was the manager on that day, and he will be confident of progression. Ademola Lookman, a January signing, may miss out with a fitness issue, but striker Alexander Sørloth will return to the lineup. He'll join Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann in attack. Griezmann, coincidentally, scored the goal that eliminated Arsenal in 2018. This Atlético are not true to type. Their defense has been leakier than usual while their attack has proved potent.

For Arsenal, it's all about the next game. As favorites, they'll carry the burden of pressure and expectation But Atlético will be no easy task. Kai Havertz, after a good display against City, has already landed back on the treatment table. But Bukayo Saka appears to be back, and his form may be critical to the club's progression to the final. It's a time for leaders, and with nearly everyone's tank on empty, can Saka's reinsertion to the lineup rejuvenate the side?

Join us at Dillon's on Wednesday afternoon. 6-7 games remain. Let's do our part to make it 7.

VCC


UTA

KEEP THE FAITH ✊