Arsene Wenger shocked the footballing world on Friday by announcing his decision to leave Arsenal at the end of the current season, despite having another year left to run on his contract.
This news may galvanise the Gunners for tonight’s fixture, though Diego Simeone’s men will feel the same desire for European success after two Champions League final defeats against rivals Real Madrid in the recent years.
Facts & Stats
This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides – Atletico being the 10th Spanish side the Gunners have faced in Europe.
This is Arsenal’s eighth European semi-final in their history – they have progressed from six of their previous seven, the only defeat coming against Manchester United in 08/09 Champions League. While this is only Atletico’s third semi-final, they have never lost one.
Arsenal are the highest scoring team in this season’s Europa League with 29 goals, however Atletico have the best goals-per-games ratio in the competition, having scored 15 goals in just six games.
Mesut Özil has a great record playing against Atletico, contributing to five goals in seven games during his time at rivals Real Madrid.
Only six of the 87 teams to play at the Emirates against Arsenal have won their first match there, though the last team to play their first game there did claim victory. (Östersunds FK in February)
Diego Simeone is yet to lose an away European match in England, with one win over Chelsea and a draw against Leicester.
Words from the Managers
Wenger told Sky Sports: “It is a Champions League night. A Champions League place is at stake for us. These are two teams that are used to be playing in the Champions League.
“We need to get a positive result, it won’t be over after tomorrow. They have no real weak point, they are strong defensively, they are strong offensively, we need a complete performance.”
Simeone told Talk Sport: “Since I arrived in Madrid the team has improved a great deal. The criticism has increased and we’ve raised the bar. I’m happy where I am right now. I hope we can play with the mental freedom in a stadium where Arsenal are very strong. You need courage to get into a final.”
Team News
Arsenal will bring Wilshere, Cech and Özil back into the squad after some time out to recover from ankle, hip injuries and illness respectively.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (knee), Mohamed Elneny (ankle) and Santi Cazorla (Achilles) remain sidelined, however, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible.
Atletico coach Simeone insists Diego Costa is fit and ready to “intimidate” Arsenal after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Full-backs Juanfran and Filipe Luis remain out with hamstring and fibula injuries respectively.
TV Viewing
Arsenal host Atletico at the Emirates Stadium, London, with kick-off scheduled for 8:05pm on Thursday, April 26.
The match will be televised on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 4K UHD from 7:30pm.
