Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid LIVE
Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal to send Arsenal to their first Champions League final in 20 years following a 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. With the semi-final clash delicately poised at one goal each from last week’s opening leg in Spain, Saka delivered the killer blow on the stroke of half-time to secure Arsenal’s place in the showpiece in Budapest on May 30.
Saka’s winning strike completed a remarkable 24 hours for Arsenal which have laid the foundations for Mikel Arteta’s side to now complete the greatest season in their 140-year history. The Premier League title race is back in their hands after Manchester City’s 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday night, with only West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace standing between the Gunners and a first championship in 22 years.
And after impressively navigating their way past Diego Simeone’s side 2-1 on aggregate, a first Champions League crown could also follow with Paris St Germain or Bayern Munich lying in wait.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid latest news
- Arteta and Saka are now one game away from Arsenal immortality
- Revealed: How much Champions League prize money Arsenal have earned
- Who does Saka want to face in the final?
- Wenger disagrees with Rooney over Arsenal celebrations
- Arsenal player ratings as Rice and Gabriel shine
Revealed: How much Champions League prize money Arsenal have earned
11:15 , Alex YoungArsenal have reached the Champions League final for only the second time in their history - and with it pocketed a huge financial windfall.
It has already been a season to remember in Europe for the Gunners, who become the first team to win all eight League Phase games to enter the knockout stage with a perfect record.
Every team in the League Phase pockets €18.62m (£16m) for competing, and Arsenal earned a further €30.6m (£26.4m) for eight wins, and then another €11m (£9.5m) for reaching the last 16.
Declan Rice fires dig at Chelsea as Arsenal into Champions League final
10:28 , Arthur FerridgeDeclan Rice lamented the fact Chelsea ‘never gave him a chance’ after Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid to secure their place in the Champions League final.
“That club gave me everything, without West Ham there’s no me,” he said. “Chelsea never gave me a chance.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly shares heartwarming Arsenal Champions League celebration as Declan Rice left 'in awe'
09:47 , Arthur FerridgeMyles Lewis-Skelly has shared heartwarming footage celebrating Arsenal’s Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
The youngster started in midfield and played 74 minutes before being replaced by Martin Zubimendi as the Gunners edged past Atletico to book their place in the Champions League final.
It has not been an easy campaign for Lewis-Skelly, who has struggled for minutes under Mikel Arteta. Tuesday’s start was just his 18th of the season.
But he was back to his best against Atletico. A natural full-back, he impressed in his new midfield role, and has taken to social media to lift the lid on his post-match celebrations.
Arteta and Saka are now one game away from Arsenal immortality
09:38 , Alex YoungFor about ten adrenaline-fuelled minutes in the midst of the Arsenal madness, Mikel Arteta let loose.
The Spaniard is normally obsessive in his pursuit of control. He goes through the same routine before every match, from his shower, to his food, to his clothes.
His Arsenal team, built very much from the back, are an embodiment of that.
On Tuesday night, though, all bets were off. A place in the Champions League final had been secured with a 2-1 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid.
Having jogged over to shake hands with Diego Simeone, Arteta raced between embraces with every player and member of his backroom team. Both legs were wrapped around David Raya as he launched himself at the goalkeeper.
Arteta called everyone over to the Clock End to take in a post-match rendition of 'The Angel' and then led the charge the length of the pitch to the North Bank.
Leandro Trossard was grabbed and Arteta began dancing, moving with such carefree abandon it was like he had just discovered he had legs.
Read Matt Verri's Arsenal long read here!
Henry reveals Saka injury worry after Champions League semi-final win
08:54 , Arthur FerridgeThierry Henry has revealed that Bukayo Saka was playing through injury as he scored the goal which sent Arsenal to the Champions League final on Tuesday night.
“Being a footballer is not so much always about the glamorous time,” he said on CBS Sports.
“He’s been questioned all season. Can he be the guy? Is he not the guy? Is he the star boy? Is he not the star boy? Is he better than him or not better than him? Today he had to play with barely training. I know he’s suffering with his Achilles tendon.”
Wenger disagrees with Rooney over Arsenal celebrations
08:21 , Alex YoungArsene Wenger disagrees with Wayne Rooney over Arsenal celebrating reaching the Champions League final.
The former Manchester United and England captain, who has won the Champions League, was dismissive of the scenes. He said on Prime Video: "They haven’t won it yet.
"I think the celebrations are a little bit too heavy. Celebrate when you win… but no, they deserve it."
Former Gunners manager Wenger, who guided the club to their first Champions League final in 2006, insisted the celebrations were "absolutely normal".
He said on beIN Sports: "In the end it’s a well-deserved win for Arsenal, there’s no doubt they were the better team over the two legs.
"They celebrate well tonight which is normal but you want to focus already on the final and the next games.
"The celebration is deserved and happiness is normal – absolutely normal – but the next step is to go to the final and win in."
Who does Saka and Arsenal squad want to face in the final?
07:33 , Alex YoungBukayo Saka has given a surprise answer when asked who him and the Arsenal squad want to face in the Champions League final.
Gunners star Saka scored the only goal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday as Atletico were beaten 1-0 in the semi-final second leg.
Facing Arsenal in the Budapest showpiece later in May will be the victors between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Asked on CBS Sports after the game who out of Bayern and PSG he would rather face, Saka replied "Come on, man... you can't ask me that. I'd have to give a media-trained answer."
Pushed for a response, Saka somewhat relented, adding: "You know deep down who we'd want to face in the final."
Arsenal player ratings
Tuesday 5 May 2026 22:12 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWilliam Saliba 8
Truly is world-class. Great pace and strength to stop Alvarez getting away in the first half. Perfect pass in behind created space for opener. Fortune one poor header was not punished after Gabriel heroics.
Gabriel 9
Incredible defending to deny Simeone after he had gone past Raya. Then launched himself in front of Pubill. Huge presence. Might be the best in the world at winning cheap free-kicks to relieve pressure.
Declan Rice 9
Big match, big performance. No surprise he rose to the occasion. Goal-saving block early on as Simeone looked certain to score. Several powerful driving runs. Corner delivery was superb too.
Click here for our Arsenal player ratings!
THE moment
Tuesday 5 May 2026 22:06 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the moment Arsenal’s place in the Champions League final was confirmed.
The moment Arsenal reached the UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 🤩🔴 pic.twitter.com/jxYGeQ47Zp
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) May 5, 2026
FULL-TIME!
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
ARSENAL ARE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL!
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+6 min: It’s all kicking off down in the technical area.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+5 min: Yellow card for Koke and Calafiori, who was replaced ages ago.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+4 min: 90 seconds remain in the rain at the Emirates.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+3 min: Simeone booked for protesting at the amount of time Raya was taking to get the same restarted.
Now Arteta is shown a yellow card.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: FIVE MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne89 min: Baena takes aim from all of 40 yards and his effort is far too high, not testing Raya at all.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne86 min: Gabriel spins away to the back post to meet Rice’s corner but can’t get enough on his shot. A nervy moment then follows for Arsenal as Sorloth misses a big chance and White gets back to clear.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: Saliba heads over from a Odegaard free-kick as Martinelli replaces Trossard.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne81 min: Gyokeres far too strong for Pubill as he turns the defender before being fouled and the Atletico ace is shown a yellow card.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: Into the final ten minute here as Raya makes a routine save from Llorente after Madueke had pulled out of a 50/50.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: Commanding goalkeeping from Raya as he comes and collects a cross, he also takes Gabriel out and the Arsenal defender needs a minute.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne76 min: Ball breaks kindly for Gyokeres and he has a pop from 20 yards out, effort is well wide though.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:32 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSome reception for Lewis-Skelly as he goes off. What a ridiculous turn around it's been him in the last few days.
Never previously trusted by Arteta in midfield, handed his first start there against Fulham, and now superb in a Champions League semi-final.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne73 min: Off comes Lewis-Skelly and on comes Zubimendi.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: Good work from Madueke down the right, but he’s off balance when attempting a cross and the ball goes behind for a goal-kick.
Concern for Arsenal as Lewis-Skelly needs treatment. Zubimendi is being readied.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne70 min: Gyokeres won’t need telling that he should have scored. Just look at his reaction after missing the golden chance.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: Atleti have now used up all of their subs with Alvarez and Griezmann going off. Alex Baena and Almada have come on.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:24 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWow. Now that is a moment. Brilliant ball from Hincapie, Gyokeres has to score... but fires over the bar.
That is an incredible chance - tie should have been almost put to bed there.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: CHANCE!
Hincapie with a superb cross into the box, right on a plate for Gyokeres but he puts the ball over the bar. Should score.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:23 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRice just swivelled to the crowd and told them to calm down after some groans as he turned and passed the ball back. Fair to say the tension is building.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne59 min: Odegaard tries to bend one into the far corner but can’t keep his effort down. What an introduction that would have been.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:16 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThat's a decent sign of how fit Arteta thinks Saka is. If he could play longer, he would on such a big night.
As it stands, an hour was enough for Saka to have a telling say on this tie.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Triple change for Arsenal too as Saka, Eze and Calafiori make way for Madueke, Odegaard and Hincapie.
Not bad subs that.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: Triple Atletico change as Le Normand, Lookman and Giuliano make way for Johnny, Sorloth and Molina.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne56 min: Griezmann afforded too much time and space, he lets fly but Raya gets down to make a routine save.
VAR check for a potential penalty is cleared. Calafiori fouled Griezmann after Gabriel had been fouled.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne55 min: Driving run from Rice after nipping in to win the ball back deep in his own half, he carries it and lays the ball off to Gyokeres who has a shot charged down.
Calafiori then finds himself in the Atletico box but delays his shot and the chance goes begging.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: Big chance for 1-1 as Saliba gets his header all wrong, Simeone is clean through but Gabriel denies a sure-fire goal with a superb block.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne49 min: Llorente is a lucky boy, clearly pulls the shirt of Trossard but escapes a yellow card.
Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:2-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: Bit of defending for Arsenal to do at the start of the second half but Gyokeres wins a free-kick to ease the pressure.
KICK-OFF!
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:03 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway at the Emirates.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid highlights
Tuesday 5 May 2026 21:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBukayo Saka loves the Champions League, but how important will this goal turn out to be?
Bukayo Saka steers Arsenal in-front vs Atletico! 🔴🤩 pic.twitter.com/FLF6cx3wcf
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) May 5, 2026
Fan reaction: Nearly there
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal are 45 mins away from the UCL final
— Albert obi (@VisionbyAlbert) May 5, 2026
Saka with the beautiful goal
Arsenal 1-0 Athletico Madrid
Fan thoughts: First half
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal is really doing well.
— Man_of_ the_People 🐐 (@CruiseOsimma) May 5, 2026
Great goal by Saka by the way.
Fan reaction: Saka goal
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBukayo Saka my star boy
— Mryoungee (@mryoungee) May 5, 2026
Let’s keep pushing guys#COYG#ArsAtm
HALF-TIME
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:49 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1)
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:48 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMassive moment before half-time! Gyokeres with another good run in behind and Atletico never really got themselves defensively set from it.
Saka has been playing fairly central all match and he was alert there.
Lift-off at the Emirates.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg: 2-1) | Bukayo Saka ‘45
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: ARSENAL AHEAD!
Deadlock broken at the Emirates as Bukayo Saka is on hand for a simple tap-in after Leandro Trossard's shot was parried into his path.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEze naturally takes risks on the ball but they haven't really been paying off yet. Taken a touch or two too many on the ball a couple of times and Atletico have swarmed him. Needs to be careful.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: Saka and White really do combine well down Arsenal’s right-hand side. Another example of this nearly leads to a chance for Eze but Ruggeri gets back in the nick of time.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: How about that for effort and determination! Three Atletico players surround Gyokeres and win a goal kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: Koke is fouled by Calafiori and the Atletico captain wants more punishment for the Arsenal defender. Think Simeone agrees.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne35 min: Couple Arsenal penalty appeals waved away. Firstly, Trossard went down after a nudge in the back from Griezmann and then a handball claim was checked and cleared by VAR.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: More patient play by Arsenal but things are not quite clicking for them in the final third.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:32 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal are not looking comfortable defensively down their left. Calafiori is being overrun by Llorente and Griezmann is drifting into that space as well.
This game, and the tie, is on a knife-edge.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: How close was that? Oblak picks out a team-mate with a straight pass through the middle but Eze was inches away from cutting that out and being clean through on goal.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Lewis-Skelly puts the ball on a plate, but none of his Arsenal team-mates had gambled.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Storming run from Rice down the left, leaving Griezmann in his dust and then wins a corner after his cut-back was cleared.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:23 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSimeone absolutely lost it at Hancko there, after the defender let Gyokeres get in front of him to bring down the long ball.
Wasn't far off running onto the pitch to confront him. The Atletico boss is making Arteta look very sedentary.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: Really good centre-forward play from Gyokeres as he holds the ball up, but he can’t make anything happen after running into Saka and then committing a foul.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThat is what you get with White at right-back. Knows Saka so well and it means he was ready to play that pass in behind, knowing that would be the run after Saka initially went short.
No surprise that Arsenal look most dangerous down their right.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: Good pass from White and a good run from Saka down the right, his cross is cleared out to Gabriel who drags an effort wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne17 min: Rice swings in a deep cross to the back post, Saka peels away and is free in space but can’t sort his feet out and doesn’t make clean contact with the ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne16 min: Gyokeres with his first run of the game and he does well to win a corner. Rice troops over to take right in front of the Atletico supporters.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:16 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhat a challenge that is from Rice. Simeone looked set to score but the Arsenal man just about got a leg in. Good few minutes for Atletico, who barely had a kick in the very opening stages.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: Llorente is quick out to Lewis-Skelly and his able to draw a foul, giving Atletico a free-kick in a promising position.
It is taken short but Griezmann’s cross is too deep. Atletico keep the attack alive and it takes a goal-saving tackle from Rice to prevent Arsenal from falling behind.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: First chance of the game falls to Atleti as Giuliano races on to a ball in behind the Arsenal defence as lays the ball back for Alvarez but he can’t make clean contact under pressure from Saliba.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:07 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSaka got plenty of space against Fulham - already clear he's going to have much more company tonight.
Ruggeri and Koke have already snapped into challenges on him. Has drifted inside a fair bit already to try and get on the ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: Arsenal remaining patient in the early stages here, Madrid happy to sit deep and soak up pressure in the hope that a counter-attacking opportunity opens up.
Arsenal 0-0 Atletico Madrid (agg:1-1)
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Atletico Madrid in a back five when out of possession, leaving Alvarez on his own up top.
KICK-OFF!
Tuesday 5 May 2026 20:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAway we go!
HERE WE GO!
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at the Emirates Stadium.
Kick-off is next.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:57 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOver Land And Sea, says the Arsenal tifo unveiled in the East Stand. Fans will be hoping to scramble for flights to Budapest in a couple of hours.
Atletico complaints
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFireworks were set off outside Atletico Madrid's hotel in the early hours of Tuesday morning, before their Champions League clash with Arsenal.
Ahead of the second leg of the high-profile semi-final tie, it was a disrupted night for some of the Atletico players and coaching staff.
Fireworks were set off outside the Shoreditch hotel in which they are staying at around 1.30am.
According to Spanish media, Atletico have reported the incident to UEFA and noted how easily those responsible were able to get close to the hotel.
Standard Sport understands that UEFA has no jurisdiction over anything that happens away from the stadium, so it would be a matter for local authorities and police.
Lucky omen?
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe one and only time Arsenal have reached a Champions League final, they overcame a Spanish side in the semi-final.
In 2006, Villarreal were the opposition and tonight it's Atleti. Will history repeat itself tonight?
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:48 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAlready a deafening noise inside the stadium. The Atletico fans have packed out the away end already and they are all waving their scarves in the air, making themselves heard.
Arsenal supporters respond and the stadium is bouncing - Martin Keown is doing a pitchside interview at the same time and nobody can hear a word.
Kick-off approaching in north London
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.
No away goals
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAway goals will NOT count in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
UEFA scrapped the away goals rule in June 2021 as a result of recommendations from the Uefa Club Competitions Committee and the Uefa Women's Football Committee.
Last time out
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal’s bid to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years hangs in the balance after a controversial 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in Spain.
Viktor Gyokeres fired Arsenal into the lead with a penalty after he was fouled by David Hancko in the area in the last minute of the first half.
However, Julian Alvarez also scored from the spot when Marcos Llorente’s volley struck Ben White’s hand following a VAR review.
After Antoine Griezmann struck the crossbar, Arsenal were then denied a chance to restore their lead when referee Danny Makkelie overturned his on-pitch decision to award the visitors another penalty when Eberechi Eze was sent tumbling by Hancko’s outstretched right leg.
Team news reminder
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today.
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Substitutes: Kepa, Mosquera, Havertz, Odegaard, Norgaard, Jesus, Martinelli, Zubimendi, Dowman, Madueke, Hincapie, Setford.
Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak, Ruggeri, Hancko, Pubill, Le Normand, Koke, Llorente, Giuliano, Griezmann, Alvarez, Lookman.
Substitutes: Musso, Gimenez, Lenglet, Molina, Bonar, Julio Diaz, Mendoza, Johnny, Alex Baena, Vargas, Sorloth, Almada.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:27 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFair to say Mikel Arteta was impressed with the reception Arsenal got on their way into the ground. "I have never seen what we have when we were about to enter the stadium, so it is great to see," he says.
It was very special.
Fan reaction: Lessons learned
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLewis-Skelly starting in the lineup is an indication that Arteta has learnt his lessons. Great lineup.
— Omeiza (@Afcmusab) May 5, 2026
Fan thoughts: Lewis-Skelly starts
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta too long to trust Lewis Skelly in midfield
— Triple M (@Tripple____M) May 5, 2026
Why Lewis-Skelly starts again
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:19 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta, speaking to Amazon Prime ahead of kick-off, explains the decision to keep faith in Myles Lewis-Skelly tonight.
"He has played there many times in that position in different games, he has the ability to do that, he can exchange positions with players, he is very flexible and he has shown what he can do."
Fan reaction: Lewis-Skelly 'surprise'
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:18 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneI’m shocked he has gone with Lewis skelly honestly thought he would Bring Zubi back in
— Jay (@Jmaccers90) May 5, 2026
Atletico Madrid change
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOne change to the Atletico Madrid side that started last weekend's 1-1 draw in the first leg as Robin Le Normand comes in for Johnny Cardoso.
Big news for the visitors is that Julian Alvarez is fit to start.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMatt Verri has delivered his immediate reaction to the Arsenal team news!
🗣 "A huge call."@MattVerri gives his thoughts on the #AFC team news as Myles Lewis-Skelly starts in midfield!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 5, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/2LzGo62oTW#AFC | #ARSATM | #UCL pic.twitter.com/o6KQTH72sT
Arsenal changes
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal are unchanged from the 3-0 win over Fulham at the weekend, which means Myles Lewis-Skelly keeps his place.
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are fit enough for the bench.
Atletico Madrid team in full
Tuesday 5 May 2026 19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAtletico Madrid XI: Oblak, Ruggeri, Hancko, Pubill, Le Normand, Koke, Llorente, Giuliano, Griezmann, Alvarez, Lookman.
Substitutes: Musso, Gimenez, Lenglet, Molina, Bonar, Julio Diaz, Mendoza, Johnny, Alex Baena, Vargas, Sorloth, Almada.
Arsenal team in full
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Kepa, Mosquera, Havertz, Odegaard, Norgaard, Jesus, Martinelli, Zubimendi, Dowman, Madueke, Hincapie, Setford.
CONFIRMED ATLETICO MADRID TEAM NEWS
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLining up for the visitors tonight...
XI ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/wWwpYTbhKM
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 5, 2026
CONFIRMED ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Arsenal team selected by Mikel Arteta...
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 5, 2026
Semi-final ready - COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid live - team news imminent
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:42 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Wayne Rooney speaks
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWayne Rooney speaking to Amazon Prime: “This is where good teams become great.”
Atletico throwback
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAtletico Madrid's last Champions League semi-final in London resulted in victory...
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 4, 2026
Emirates like you have never seen it before
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:38 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal supporters certainly got the memo ahead of the Champions League semi-final decider...
Diego Simeone reveals Atletico Madrid approach
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne"I'm going to tell my players to play like they did in the second half at home," the Atletico Madrid boss explained in the pre-match press conference.
"We'll try to play the match that needs to be played, with the intensity it demands. We have a lot of faith in what we do."
Arsenal players urged to play like beasts
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal players to play like "beasts" in order to reach the Champions League final.
The Gunners drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid a week ago and now look to complete the job in the semi-final tie on home soil.
Arsenal have only once reached the Champions League final in the club's history. They were beaten by Barcelona in Paris 20 years ago.
A return to the biggest stage in club football is now within touching distance and Arteta called for the squad to rise to the occasion under the most intense pressure.
Watch: Arsenal arrive
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:27 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal supporters are right behind the team tonight...
Quite the atmosphere outside the Emirates Stadium as the Arsenal team bus receives the warmest of welcomes ahead of the Champions League semi-final decider.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 5, 2026
📹 @MattVerri
LIVE: https://t.co/2LzGo62oTW#AFC | #ARSATM | #UCL pic.twitter.com/Jc5uzzEy6F
Atletico Madrid squad revealed
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJose Gimenez has joined the travelling party having sat out the last eight games.
Make ten men feel like a hundred ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/jXYh0ty6dh
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 4, 2026
Predicted Arsenal XI
Tuesday 5 May 2026 18:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal produced their best performance in recent months against Fulham on Saturday and Mikel Arteta could be tempted to stick with the same attack, particularly if Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are not fully fit.
Bukayo Saka was replaced at half-time in that match to ensure he was ready to face Atletico and Viktor Gyokeres will hope to keep his place after scoring two goals and registering an assist.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was very impressive in midfield against Fulham, but it is likely that Martin Zubimendi comes back into the starting line-up.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.
Click here to read the full blog on The The Standard's website
