Arsenal continue their Champions League campaign this week as the Gunners travel to Spain to take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the CL semifinal.
The Gunners finally got back to winning ways in the Premier League over the weekend when they topped Newcastle 1-0 at the Emirates. It wasn’t as dominant or confidence-inspiring as fans would have liked, but the points count all the same. More importantly, it put Arsenal back on top of the PL table after Manchester City briefly overtook them midweek.
It was a big win, to be sure. But the players have little time to celebrate. The schedule picks back up with another quick turnaround as Mikel Arteta’s men are off to Spain on Wednesday looking to turn one win into two.
April has been as frustrating a month for the Gunners as they have endured all season. Before Saturday’s win, the Gunners had notched only one win from their previous five and have not looked close to their best in the process. Additional injury scares have only further complicated things as Arsenal are desperate to establish their form with 4 weeks left in the season with the lineup in a constant state of flux.
Wednesday is likely to be a lot like the first leg against Sporting, with the Gunners looking to play conservative and give little to the hosts in hopes of nicking a goal to take a lead into the second leg. But with the margins thinner and thinner and players playing on the borderline, can they afford to play it safe with so much at stake?
Here are three talking points ahead of Wednesday’s match:
Know the Enemy
Atletico Madrid enter Wednesday’s match having bested Barcelona in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The La Liga side’s season has been a tale of two teams. Domestically, they have been decent but never posed a challenge for the title, currently sitting 4th and firmly in control of their CL fate.
In cup competitions, though, they have enjoyed a bit more success. They made it to the final of the Copa Del Rey before falling to Real Sociedad. Now they have found themselves in the CL semis after an intense 3-2 aggregate win over league leaders Barcelona in the quarterfinals.
For all of the overplayed, snarky accusations of Atletico’s brand of anti-football being “terrorist-ball,” this season has been far less defensively-minded than previous iterations, with Diego Simeone’s side far more balanced at the front and back. Considering they are essentially out of the title race in La Liga, the CL is their lone remaining shot at silverware, and they will come out swinging on Tuesday to take a lead into the second leg.
The attack was bolstered mid-season when they added former Atalanta star winger Ademola Lookman in January. Though he has yet to fully kick on with 2 league goals to his name, he adds speed and dribbling that can keep defenders on their heels. There is no doubt that Simeone will use Lookman to test Arsenal’s back line after seeing the success other clubs have had in recent matches at getting in behind.
The main attacking threat through their CL campaign has been Arsenal-linked Julian Alvarez, whose 9 goals lead the side through 13 matches. Behind him on the scoresheet is 6’5” Alexander Sørloth, who leads the side in domestic goals. Between the two of them, they have a versatile rotation up top that can change to adjust their tactics, though Alvarez is thought to be questionable for Wednesday as he has been carrying a knock.
In midfield, they will be without rising star Pablo Barrios. The 22 year old is set to miss both legs after re-aggravating a hamstring injury.
No rational person would expect another lopsided romp like when Arsenal hosted Atleti in the league phase in October. They are a notoriously tough nut to crack. At home, they will be out for revenge and to secure a spot in the CL final themselves as they, like the Gunners, pursue their first-ever CL title.
Injuries & Suspensions
Arsenal received a double whammy of scares on Saturday when Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze both were subbed off with injuries. Havertz’ in particular looked concerning as he sat on the pitch looking visibly dismayed before walking right down the tunnel.
If reports are to accurate, there is belief that Havertz’ injury was not as serious as initially believed. Eze was more upfront post-match, stating that he would be just fine. For the team’s sake, let’s hope that it’s true in both cases.
Bukayo Saka finally rejoined the first team after a six week absence as he dealt with an Achilles issue. Riccardo Calafiori was reportedly fit for selection, though missed out on Saturday.
OUT: Mikel Merino (foot), Jurrien Timber (groin/hip)
DOUBT: Kai Havertz (groin), Eberechi Eze (muscular), Riccardo Calafiori (knock)
Predicted Lineup
Attack: Trossard, Gyökeres, Saka
With Havertz and Eze both coming off injured against Newcastle, the safe bet is a more familiar attacking lineup.
Leandro Trossard was an unused sub on Saturday, which may mean that Arteta had already looked at him to start on Wednesday, especially after Eze’s injury. His ability to control the ball and distribute are solid, and he doesn’t shy away from the big stage.
Viktor Gyökeres had been pushed into the backup spot with Havertz’ return, but now reassumes starting duties in the German’s potential absence. His appearance against Newcastle was forgettable outside of being brought down by Nick Pope and missing a pass to a wide open Saka on a 3v1. Hopefully he does everything he can to seize the moment.
Bukayo Saka is back, and not a moment too soon. His 20 minute cameo was a reminder of the gulf between him and Noni Madueke. What he lacks in top end speed, he makes up for in his ability to create space and chances. Hopefully, playing with Ben White and Martin Ødegaard helps bring back his game-changing level.
Midfield: Rice, Zubimendi, Ødegaard
Arsenal’s starting midfield three will almost assuredly be the same three from here on out.
Declan Rice was positively spent by full time against Newcastle. As usual, he ran himself ragged, doing a little bit of everything but not putting a foot wrong. There were no standout moments, but he did all the small things you expect of him.
Martin Zubimendi popped up in a few attacking spaces and was unfortunate to not get a better strike on his shot in the second half. Still, he has become a source of unexpected goals, and finds himself in great positions to contribute.
Martin Ødegaard hasn’t been quite at his best, but he has continued to show how vital he is to the midfield and the team’s overall rhythm. He tested Pope from distance to force him into a near-post save late on. If he can find a bit of confidence in his shooting, he adds another arrow to the attacking quiver.
Defense: Hincapie, Gabriel, Saliba, White
Like the midfield, the defense is likely to go unchanged on Wednesday.
Piero Hincapie was immense against a physical Newcastle side and was probably second in line for Man of the Match honors. He is a fighter and plays with an intensity that few others match. With Calafiori returning to fitness, he has his spot locked up.
Gabriel and William Saliba were at their usual level on Saturday. They weren’t tested often, but largely took care of what they needed to. Outside of a whiffed effort in the first minute and Yoane Wissa’s missed volley, they didn’t give up any meaningful chances.
On the right, I think Ben White keeps his spot with Ødegaard and Saka back in the lineup. It’s been ages since they have all played together, and their chemistry has been so instrumental in recent seasons. Let’s hope there’s still a little magic left on the right.
Keeper: Raya
Arsenal’s shot stopper was up to the task on Saturday. He was dominant in the air against a tall Newcastle side, and dealt well with the minimal chances he faced.
For all of the doom and gloom of the last month, the Gunners are still in an excellent position to make their first Champions League final since 2006. The two legs will be long and they will be tough, but Arsenal have fought all season long and have shown their caliber countless times along the way. Recent frustrations have clouded an otherwise great campaign, but at their core, this side is among the game’s elites. If they can stay the course and do what has gotten them this far, a date in Budapest awaits.
WHO: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
WHAT: Champions League semifinals first leg
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29th, 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST/8:00pm GMT
WHERE: The Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on the Paramount+ app
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