Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal: Every Epic Battle in Their Fierce Head-to-Head History

Atlético Madrid and Arsenal had faced each other just twice in competitive matches before the 2025–26 season, but that number will have more than doubled by the time the campaign wraps up.

The Europa League served as the backdrop for the initial clashes between Diego Simeone's shrewd side and the north Londoners, who were managed by Arsène Wenger at the time. However, there will soon have been three Champions League encounters in the 2025–26 season alone.

The first of those came during the competition's league phase earlier in the season, but Atléti and Arsenal will reignite their modern rivalry in the semifinal. Two tactically disciplined sides will battle it out over two legs for a coveted spot in the final.

With that in mind, here is a full look at every previous meeting between these two European heavyweights.

Atlético Madrid vs. Arsenal: Past Meetings

1. Arsenal 1–1 Atlético Madrid - April 26, 2018

The very first encounter between Atléti and Arsenal also came at the semifinal stage of a UEFA competition — the Europa League on that occasion. The opening leg at the Emirates Stadium ended all square, though it was far from short on drama.

Atléti defender Šime Vrsaljko was dismissed within just 10 minutes after picking up two yellow cards, and Simeone himself was sent to the stands shortly after for vehement protests. Even so, Arsenal failed to capitalize fully.

Alexandre Lacazette gave the Gunners the lead in the 61st minute, but a superb strike from Antoine Griezmann ensured Atléti departed England with a valuable away goal after a resolute defensive display.

It was a frustrating final home European outing for Wenger — and matters deteriorated further in the return leg.

2. Atlético Madrid 1–0 Arsenal - May 3, 2018

Wenger's hopes of claiming a first European trophy in his farewell season at Arsenal were extinguished at the Metropolitano a week on from the stalemate at the Emirates. Former Chelsea forward Diego Costa delivered the decisive blow as the Gunners fell short.

Griezmann was once again instrumental for the Spanish side, teeing up Costa's delicate chip in first-half stoppage time to all but secure a place in the Europa League final. Arsenal offered little threat after the interval, with their hosts' experience and composure proving decisive in Madrid.

It marked a bittersweet conclusion to Wenger's illustrious reign, yet for Simeone and his squad it was a moment of pure joy. They went on to defeat Marseille in the final to lift the Europa League trophy, earning redemption following two prior Champions League final losses to fierce rivals Real Madrid.

3. Arsenal 4–0 Atlético Madrid - Oct. 21, 2025

Seven years passed before Atléti and Arsenal met again, with the latter having undergone a remarkable transformation under Arteta in the interim. That progress was emphatically demonstrated in the league phase fixture in October 2025, as the Gunners dismantled their opponents 4–0 to record a first-ever victory over Atléti.

A goalless opening half burst into action shortly after the interval, with four goals arriving in the space of 13 minutes to settle the contest. Gabriel Martinelli added to an earlier strike from fellow Gabriel, before Viktor Gyökeres put the gloss on the scoreline with a rapid-fire double.

With Arsenal utterly dominant at the Emirates, Arteta delivered a significant psychological statement to Simeone in their first managerial head-to-head, steering his side to a commanding and memorable victory.

Atlético Madrid vs. Arsenal: Complete Head-to-Head Record

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