ไทย
English
中國人
Atlético Madrid will need to make the most of their home ground advantage in the Champions League semifinal first leg against Premier League table-toppers Arsenal on Wednesday evening.
After eliminating Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona on their way to the final four, Spain's sole remaining European contender must overcome yet another north London side to reach just their fourth ever final. Their long-awaited Champions League triumph remains out of reach.
Atléti were hammered 4–0 by Arsenal earlier this campaign, but a clash at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano presents a completely different challenge. Diego Simeone's side will almost certainly need a favorable result to keep their hopes alive before next week's return leg in England.
Julián Alvarez Shrugs Off Injury Concern
The positive news for Atléti centers on their attacking options. After being left on the bench in the recent 3–2 victory over Athletic Club in La Liga due to a minor fitness concern, Julián Alvarez has declared himself fully fit at "100 per cent" ahead of Arsenal's arrival.
The Argentine is expected to replace the unlucky Alexander Sørloth, who netted twice at the weekend. Atléti remain anxious over the fitness of fellow forward Ademola Lookman, however, with the impactful January signing in doubt after picking up an injury in the Copa del Rey final loss to Real Sociedad.
Nicolás González is set to step in for the Nigerian international, while both Pablo Barrios and José María Giménez will be absent from the squad entirely. Centre back Dávid Hancko is also uncertain to feature.
Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal (4-4-2)
GK: Juan Musso—Jan Oblak's dip in form this season has paved the way for Musso to claim the starting spot. The Argentine featured in both quarterfinal legs and the Copa del Rey final as Simeone continues to back his fellow countryman.
RB: Nahuel Molina—With Marcos Llorente expected to shift back into central midfield on Wednesday, Molina will be tasked with dealing with the threat of Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze and/or Leandro Trossard.
CB: Robin Le Normand—Having been given a rest for much of the recent fixtures against Elche and Athletic Club, Le Normand heads into the first leg fresh and ready for his duel with Viktor Gyökeres.
CB: Clément Lenglet—The centre back has already come up against former clubs Tottenham and Barcelona in the knockout rounds, and he looks set to get the nod against Arsenal given Giménez's absence and doubts surrounding Hancko's fitness.
LB: Matteo Ruggeri—The defensive lineup has seen considerable rotation in recent months, but Ruggeri has largely held onto his spot. The Italian may be handed the responsibility of containing Bukayo Saka on Wednesday.
RM: Giuliano Simeone—The coach's son has delivered standout performances on the right flank this season, racking up 16 goal contributions across all competitions. His tireless defensive work off the ball has been equally noteworthy.
CM: Marcos Llorente—Llorente's pace and physical attributes will be crucial as Atléti look to dominate the midfield battle against Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice.
CM: Koke—The one-club legend is approaching 750 appearances for Atléti, and few players are more deserving of a Champions League winners' medal than the consistently reliable Spaniard. He remains a vital component of the Simeone system at the age of 34.
LM: Nicolás González—Lookman will be handed a start if he passes his fitness test, but González is ready to step up. The Argentine is yet to register a goal or assist in the Champions League this season, drawing a blank across 11 outings.
ST: Antoine Griezmann—The outgoing Frenchman was denied a trophy in the Copa del Rey final and will be fiercely motivated to sign off by finally guiding Atléti to Champions League glory.
ST: Julián Alvarez—Alvarez, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, will pose serious problems for a resolute Gunners backline alongside Griezmann. The compact pair create chaos through their sharp movement and technical brilliance.