The Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid is the epicentre of the footballing world tonight, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, as Atletico Madrid takes on Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final . For the "Rojiblancos," this is a return to the final four after nine seasons, fueled by a dramatic quarter-final victory over Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal-currently leading the Premier League-are seeking just its second-ever Champions League final appearance. While the Gunners thrashed Atletico 4-0 in the league phase back in October 2025, a two-legged semi-final under Diego Simeone's fortress is a different beast entirely.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Champions League Semi-Final 1st Leg: Match Details
| Match | Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal (UCL Semi-Final, 1st Leg) |
| Date | Wednesday, April 29, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 20:00 BST / 21:00 CEST / 12:30 PM IST (Apr 30) |
| Venue | Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid |
| Referee | Danny Makkelie (Netherlands) |
Atletico Madrid Injury Updates & Team News
Diego Simeone has been handed a mixed bag in his final squad selection. The major blow is for Nicolás González, who is ruled out for 3-4 weeks after a muscle injury in training yesterday.Jose Gimenez and Pablo Barrios also miss out on the 23-man squad. However, the hosts are boosted by the return of Ademola Lookman and David Hancko, both of whom passed late fitness tests. Alexander Sørloth, fresh off a brace against Athletic Bilbao, is expected to lead the line.
Arsenal Injury Updates & Team News
The Gunners arrive with relatively clean health, barring long-term absentee Mikel Merino. Arteta's squad is buoyed by the goal-scoring form of Eberechi Eze, who secured their 1-0 win over Newcastle last weekend.All eyes will be on Viktor Gyökeres, whose two goals against Atletico in their previous meeting this season make him the primary target man for the Spanish defence.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups
Atlético Madrid (5-3-2): Jan Oblak (GK); Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Axel Witsel, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Koke, Conor Gallagher, Álex Baena; Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sørloth.
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya (GK); Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber; Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard (c); Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Match Prediction: Who Will Win Champions League Semi-Final First Leg at Metropolitano?
Despite Arsenal's dominance in the league phase, a semi-final first leg in Madrid is often a cagey, tactical chess match. Simeone will likely prioritise defensive solidity to ensure they stay in the tie for the second leg in London. Arsenal's firepower, led by Gyökeres, should see them grab a vital away goal, but Atletico's resilience at home-especially with Griezmann and Sørloth in form-makes a draw the most probable outcome.
Match and Goal Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Arsenal.