UEFA has set the dates for the 2026 Champions League semi-finals. So, on April 29 at 10:00 PM, the first semi-final match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal will take place at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid .
This confrontation promises to be one of the most spectacular in the entire tournament. Two different footballing minds, two top managers and two rival teams that have been in excellent form this season.
Semi-final schedule
- First match: April 29, 2026, 22:00 Kyiv time Atletico Madrid — Arsenal (Madrid, Metropolitano Stadium)
- Second match: May 5, 2026, 22:00 Kyiv time Arsenal — Atletico Madrid (London, Emirates Stadium)
Form of the teams before the match
Atletico Madrid, under the leadership of Diego Simeone, are traditionally strong at home. The “Matratsniki” are famous for their iron discipline, hard pressing and ability to play for the result. In the Champions League this season, they look very confident.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are playing their most mature football in years. The Gunners have a fast, combination style, excellent physicality and one of the best strikers in Europe.
History of personal meetings
The teams have met several times in European tournaments.
General statistics:
- Atletico’s victories – 2
- Arsenal wins – 2
- Draws — 1
The most productive match was 4:0 in favor of Arsenal (2018).
The most memorable was the dramatic 1-1 draw in 2025.
Key factors of the match
- The home factor of Metropolitano . Atletico at home is almost a fortress. The Indios players are charged from the stands and play with crazy dedication.
- Arsenal’s attack . The Londoners have one of the strongest attacking lines in Europe. If Arsenal can play fast counterattacks, Atletico will find it very difficult to contain them.
- Simeone’s tactics . Atletico’s head coach skillfully builds a game “from defense” and knows how to seize the initiative at key moments.
- Physical readiness . Both teams came into this stage in pretty good shape, so the match promises to be very intense and emotional.
Prediction for the first match
Most experts believe that the first leg will end in a draw or a minimal victory for Atletico (1-0 or 2-1). Arsenal traditionally play better at home, so everything will be decided at the Emirates on May 5.
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Where to watch the match in Ukraine
The match will be broadcast on the paid channels Football 1,2,3 and on the platform ” Football Sport” , as well as free text broadcasts on Twitch and YouTube simultaneously.
