Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have confirmed their starting lineups for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, set to take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The match at the Emirates Stadium will decide which team progresses to the final, following a tightly contested first leg.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side will look to capitalize on home advantage after a solid performance in Madrid. The Gunners' lineup features key attacking threats such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, while Declan Rice anchors the midfield. Defensively, William Saliba partners Gabriel Magalhães in central defense.
Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, known for their disciplined defensive structure and counter-attacking prowess, have named a strong eleven. Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata lead the line, supported by the creative midfield trio of Koke, Marcos Llorente, and Rodrigo De Paul. The defensive unit, marshaled by José María Giménez and Reinildo Mandava, aims to contain Arsenal's attack.
Both managers have made tactical adjustments from the first leg. Arteta has opted for a more attacking setup, while Simeone has retained his trusted 4-4-2 formation with a focus on compactness. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Rice and Thomas Partey facing off against the experienced Spanish midfielders.
Atletico will rely on their set-piece expertise and quick transitions to unsettle the home side. Arsenal, meanwhile, will aim to dominate possession and create chances through wide areas. The Emirates crowd is expected to play a significant role in pushing the team forward.
With only 90 minutes (or more) separating these sides from a Champions League final, anticipation is high. The winner will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the final later this month.
Stay tuned for updates as the match unfolds. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the competition, and this encounter promises to be a tactical masterclass.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.
