Arteta has now become only the fourth Spanish manager to lead a non-Spanish club to a Champions League final. He joins a legendary trio that includes Rafa Benitez (Liverpool), Guardiola (Manchester City), and Luis Enrique (PSG).

This victory marks a monumental moment for Arsenal, granting them passage to just the second Champions League final in club history. The Gunners will face either Bayern Munich or PSG at Budapest’s Puskas Aréna on May 30.

Chasing European glory

Arsenal head to Budapest with a historic opportunity. If they lift the trophy, they will be crowned unbeaten Champions League winners, becoming only the 12th club in history to win the competition without suffering a single defeat.

Arteta’s squad has been nearly flawless throughout the campaign, boasting a record of 11 wins and 3 draws. Its defensive discipline has been the backbone of this run, conceding only six goals in the tournament while racking up nine clean sheets.

A season for the record books

By reaching the final, Arsenal have equaled their all-time record for wins in a single season with 41 victories, matching the historic mark set during the 1970/71 campaign, according to statistics from Squawka.

The Gunners are currently in a unique position to complete a historic double: winning their first-ever Champions League title while securing their 14th Premier League crown. Arsenal currently hold a five-point lead over Manchester City (who have a game in hand) with only nine points left to play for in the domestic season.

They reached the final in 2014 and again in 2016, losing both times to city rivals Real Madrid, including a penalty shootout defeat in Milan. Those matches, along with their earlier appearance in 1974, form the backbone of a narrative filled with dramatic highs and crushing lows.

Their last final came in 2016, and with three appearances overall, the club’s UCL journey stands as one of persistence—always within reach, yet still waiting for the breakthrough moment that would redefine their place in European soccer.

How many times have Atletico Madrid played in the UCL final?

Atletico Madrid have played in the UEFA Champions League final three times. Their appearances came in 1974, 2014 and 2016, spanning different eras but all ending in defeat.

The club’s first final dates back to 1974, when they faced Bayern Munich. After a dramatic draw in the initial match, they lost the replay, missing out on their first European crown. Decades later, they returned to the biggest stage twice in a three-year span.

Those modern runs, particularly in 2014 and 2016, helped redefine Atletico Madrid as a true European contender. However, both finals ended in heartbreak against city rivals Real Madrid—one in extra time and the other in a penalty shootout.

How many UCL finals have Atletico Madrid reached under Diego Simeone?

Atletico Madrid reached two UEFA Champions League finals under Diego Simeone. Those came in 2014 and 2016, during the club’s most successful modern era in European competition.

The first came in the 2013–14 season, when they were seconds away from winning the title. They led against Real Madrid in Lisbon before conceding a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer, eventually losing 4–1 in extra time.

Two years later, Simeone’s side returned to the final in Milan for a rematch against their city rivals. The match finished 1–1 after extra time, but Atletico were defeated 5–3 in a penalty shootout, marking their second heartbreaking loss under the Argentine coach.

Have Atletico Madrid ever won the Champions League?

Atletico Madrid have never won the UEFA Champions League. Despite reaching the final three times, they have fallen short on each occasion. Their closest opportunity arguably came in 2014.

They were minutes away from victory before conceding a late equalizer to Real Madrid, who went on to win in extra time. Two years later, they pushed the same opponent to penalties in Milan but were again denied.

The closest they have ever come to lifting the UCL trophy dates back to the 2005–06 season, when they reached their first final. On May 17, 2006, they faced Barcelona in a match that remains one of the most defining in club history.

With Mikel Arteta guiding a resurgent squad deep into the latter stages of the competition once again, the Gunners aim to join the unbeaten Champions League winners list in 2026.

When was the last time Arsenal reached the UCL final?

With their semifinal win over Atletico Madrid, Arsenal are back in the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2006, when they became the first London club to play in a Champions League final. However, they fell 2–1 to Barcelona in Paris.

That 2005–06 run remains one of the most memorable in club history, highlighted by a record-breaking defensive streak and standout performances from players like Thierry Henry. Despite consistent participation, especially during Arsene Wenger’s era, Arsenal struggled to return to the final. 20 years later, they’re finally back in the decider, now under Arteta.

How many times have Arsenal played in the Champions League final?

2026 will see Arsenal play in the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in their history. Their lone appearance to date came in the 2006 final against Barcelona, which they ultimately lost.

Compared to Europe’s elite clubs, this highlights a key gap in their continental résumé. While they’ve frequently qualified for the tournament and even reached the semifinals on multiple occasions, turning those campaigns into final appearances has been a rare achievement.

It’s also worth noting that Arsenal have reached other major European finals—such as the UEFA Cup (2000) and UEFA Europa League (2019)—but the Champions League final remains a singular milestone in the club’s history.

How many UCL titles have Arsenal won?

Arsenal have never won the UEFA Champions League so far. Their 2006 defeat to Barcelona means the club is still searching for its first title in Europe’s premier competition.

Despite being one of England’s most successful domestic clubs, continental success at the highest level has been limited. They have, however, won other European trophies, including the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970.

That absence of a Champions League title continues to be one of the defining talking points around the club… especially as new generations of players and fans aim to finally change that narrative.

In a move that sent shockwaves through the Emirates, the trio will start this second-leg tie from the bench. Instead, Arteta is leaning on Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, and teenage sensation Lewis-Skelly to carry the load from the opening whistle.

Arsenal will also be without Jurrien Timber, who remains sidelined and has yet to feature in the Champions League knockout stages. However, the Gunners are bolstered by the return of Riccardo Calafiori, who rejoins the squad after a recent injury spell.

The aggregate score remains deadlocked at 1–1 following a contentious first leg at the Riyadh Metropolitano, where both sides converted penalties. Now, Arsenal face a winner-take-all scenario and you can follow every highlight and detail of the game in our liveblog coverage, for a ticket to the Champions League Final, with either PSG or Bayern Munich waiting on the other side of the bracket.

Scenarios for Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid

With the aggregate score deadlocked at 1-1, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid enter today’s second leg with their seasons on the line. And the remaining question is what happens if Arsenal win, tie or lose against The Spaniards?

There is no margin for error at the Emirates today. Both clubs have made this tournament their ultimate priority, particularly Diego Simeone’s side, which is riding high after losing the Copa del Rey title against Real Sociedad just weeks ago.

With the La Liga race currently a two-horse battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Champions League represents Atletico’s best shot at a historic title title in Europe.

Arsenal chasing an exclusive piece of history

If the Gunners can navigate this final hurdle and secure the trophy, they would join an elite fraternity of clubs to be crowned European champions with an undefeated record. Having swept the league phase and remained clinical through the knockouts, Arteta’s squad is on the verge of one of the most dominant runs in the competition’s history.

The stage is set for a heavyweight European clash. After a tactical chess match last week at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the “winner-take-all” stakes in London have fans expecting a classic. With a ticket to the final on the line, today’s matchup promises to be the defining moment of the season for two of the continent’s most formidable powers.

The match began as a tactical carbon copy of the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with Arsenal dominating possession but struggling to convert their control into genuine scoring threats against a disciplined Spanish defense.

However, just as the match seemed destined to go into halftime scoreless, the breakthrough arrived. Leandro Trossard unleashed a powerful strike that forced a parry from Jan Oblak, and Bukayo Saka pounced on the rebound to slot home the game’s only goal.

Atletico threw everything at the Gunners in the second half in search of an equalizer, but Arsenal’s backline remained impenetrable. With their ticket to their second Champions League final in their history officially punched, the Gunners now await the winner of Wednesday’s clash between Bayern Munich and PSG at the Allianz Arena.

Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury that has kept him out for weeks. He had already missed Arsenal’s first leg against Atletico in Madrid, which finished in a 1-1 draw.

Mikel Arteta’s men are looking to make history as Arsenal could join the list of unbeaten UEFA Champions League winners. However, it won’t be easy as Atletico Madrid are known for their structure and experience in knockout competitions.

What happened to Jurrien Timber?

Jurrien Timber has been dealing with a groin injury suffered back in March. Initially considered minor, the issue has kept him out for more than a month and multiple games across competitions. He has only recently resumed light work on the pitch, but has not been able to return to full match fitness.

Timber was absent from Arsenal’s final training session before the semifinal second leg, confirming he would not be available.

When will Jurrien Timber return to play?

The Dutch defender faces a more uncertain situation. While some projections suggest a possible return later in May for Timber, there is still no confirmed date, and his recovery has been slower than expected. The club has indicated he needs to increase his training intensity before being considered for selection.

Arsenal now return to North London aiming to capitalize on home advantage, backed by one of the most consistent defensive records in the competition. But Diego Simeone‘s men have built their reputation on navigating these scenarios.

With the aggregate score tied and no away goals rule in play, the path to the final could hinge on the smallest details—from a single breakthrough to extra time or penalties. Every possible result carries a different consequence.

What happens if Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid today?

With a win, Arsenal would qualify for the UEFA Champions League final, where they would face either Bayern Munich or PSG, who face off on Wednesday. A win for them over Atletico Madrid in the second leg would immediately send the Gunners through to the final.

The first leg in Madrid ended 1-1, with both goals coming from penalties—Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal and Julian Alvarez for Atletico—leaving the tie completely open. Because the aggregate score is level, any victory at the Emirates Stadium would be enough to secure progression without the need for extra time.

What happens if Arsenal and Atletico Madrid tie today?

If Arsenal and Atletico Madrid draw, the match will go to extra time, and potentially penalties, because the aggregate score would remain level. With the first leg finishing 1-1, any draw in the second leg keeps the tie even on aggregate.

Under current UEFA Champions League rules, the away goals rule no longer applies, so there is no advantage based on where goals are scored. That means the game would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time.

If neither Arsenal nor Atletico Madrid breaks the deadlock, the semifinal would then be decided by a penalty shootout. This scenario is especially likely given how tight the first leg was.

What happens if Arsenal lose to Atletico Madrid today?

Arsenal would be eliminated with a loss, and Atletico Madrid would advance to the Champions League final against Bayern or PSG. This would also see the list of unbeaten winners in UCL history unchanged.

That outcome would be particularly painful for the Gunners given how balanced the tie has been so far. The first leg was decided by fine margins, including penalty decisions and a late VAR controversy, highlighting just how little separates the two sides.

For Atletico Madrid, this is familiar territory. Diego Simeone’s teams are known for managing tight knockout scenarios effectively, often capitalizing on small advantages. The final opponent would remain uncertain as Bayern can still turn things around after a hard-fought first leg in Paris.

[Watch Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid online in the US on Fubo]

This semifinal remains wide open as it heads into a decisive second match, with the 1-1 draw in the first leg leaving Arsenal and Atletico Madrid level on aggregate. Atletico Madrid missed the chance to build an edge at home.

This gives Arsenal a slight advantage with the return leg in North London, as they aim to join the list of unbeaten Champions League winners.

Arsenal now need only a win to advance, but Atletico’s trademark grit and discipline ensure this clash is far from decided.

When will the Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid match be played?

Arsenal play against Atletico Madrid today, May 5, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. The game is set to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET). Follow Arsenal vs. Atletico live with us for minute-by-minute updates!

Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid in the USA

Get ready for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League clash between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. Catch all the action live on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Paramount+, Hulu + Live TV, CBS, Univision, TUDN and ViX.

With his penalty strike, the Atletico forward became the fastest Argentine in history to reach 25 Champions League goals. Alvarez achieved the feat in just 41 matches, surpassing Messi, who reached the mark in 42, and Sergio Aguero, who needed 48.

The Argentine forward is currently enjoying a career-best European campaign, boasting 10 goals and four assists in 14 matches this Champions League season. He remains the crown jewel of Diego Simeone’s offensive arsenal.

Julian Alvarez sparks alarms after being subbed off

Despite his historic night at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the atmosphere turned tense when Alvarez was forced off with a visible injury. In the 77th minute, Eberechi Eze accidentally landed on Alvarez’s left leg and the Argentine immediately signaled he was in pain.

Although he attempted to play through the discomfort, he eventually dropped to the turf and requested a substitution. He was greeted with a standing ovation from the Metropolitano faithful as he made his way to the bench, but his availability for the second leg remains a major question mark.

A historic milestone for Atletico Madrid

Alvarez’s tenth goal of the campaign doesn’t just put him in the record books for Argentina, but for his club as well. He is now the first player in Atletico Madrid history to reach double-digit goals in a single Champions League season.

The only player to ever surpass that scoring mark in a European season for the club was Radamel Falcao, who netted 12 goals during the 2011/12 campaign. However, it is worth noting that Falcao’s feat came in the UEFA Europa League, making Alvarez the first to achieve this feat in a Champions League season for Atleti.

Julian was substituted in the 77th minute of the second half due to an apparent injury to his left ankle, with Alex Baena coming on in his place. The injury comes from a play involving a challenge with Eberechi Eze, where both fall to the ground, with slight contact without intention from the Arsenal player against Julian.

There is also an expectation for an official update, as it could also be the result of fatigue after a very intense match in which Alvarez was highly active and pressing at a very high level. It is expected not to be serious, looking ahead to the second leg, and clearly, his presence in the 2026 World Cup.

First leg of Atletico vs Arsenal

Atletico Madrid fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal. Julian Alvarez netted from the penalty spot to equalise Viktor Gyokeres’ own spot kick.

Arsenal broke the deadlock shortly before half-time after Gyokeres was bundled over in the box by David Hancko, and the Gunners striker picked himself up to rattle home his spot kick, which put them ahead, but with a controversial decision over whether it was a penalty or not.

Simeone switched formation to 3-4-3 at the break, and his side came out hungry for an equaliser. Julian Alvarez curled a free kick narrowly wide, Ademola Lookman fired straight at David Raya, and Antoine Griezmann had a shot heroically blocked by Gabriel Magalhaes before they got their goal. Finally, Alvarez powered home a penalty after Ben White handled Marcos Llorente’ sliced shot.

The home side dominated from there, with sequence after sequence of attacks from Atletico, led especially by a Griezmann who was fully locked in during the second half, until Arsenal thought they had won a second penalty when Eberechi Eze looked to have been tripped by Hancko, but the referee overturned his decision after consulting VAR, and it ultimately ended level.

Julian Alvarez injury updated

Good news for Atletico Madrid and Argentina, according to Gaston Edul, Julian Alvarez felt a twist at the moment, further tests will clearly be done, but it is nothing serious, and it is believed it would not be anything more than that.

Alvarez breaks a record

Julian Alvarez made history after becoming the fastest Argentine to reach 25 goals in the UEFA Champions League in 41 matches, surpassing none other than Lionel Messi, who did it in 42, and with outstanding numbers. This season in 13 matches, he has nine goals with five assists.

Saka is still finding his rhythm after a grueling injury layoff, the England international remains on a “day-to-day” recovery plan as Arsenal prioritize his long-term match fitness.

Eze, despite an early exit against Newcastle over the weekend, was cleared to travel. However, Arteta has chosen to utilize him as a secondary option rather than a starter.

The decision to bench the duo is a calculated gamble. With Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber already ruled out for this crucial away fixture, Arsenal’s depth will be tested early, and you can find every highlight of thos crucial game in our liveblog coverage.

Saka progressing in recovery

Bukayo Saka has been hampered by a lingering Achilles injury dating back to the Carabao Cup final on March 22. Since then, Arteta has been cautious with the winger’s minutes, opting for a rest-heavy regimen to ensure his star man is fit for the season’s stretch run.

While Saka made a brief cameo in the victory over Newcastle, he appeared to be playing through visible discomfort. Now, with Saka back in the matchday squad, Arteta is looking for the 24-year-old to rediscover the world-class form that defines the Arsenal attack against Atletico.

The Saka-Eze connection

Arsenal fans are eager to see Eze and Saka share the pitch once again, a sight that has been rare of late due to the injury bug. While both were available for the Newcastle fixture, their time on the pitch didn’t overlap; Eze was forced off with an injury before Saka entered for the final 10-minute shift.

The duo hasn’t started a match together since March 17. In that outing, the chemistry was on full display. Eze found the back of the net before his premature exit. And Saka earned a stellar 8.0 match rating for his creative output.

With both playmakers fighting for full fitness, the big question at the Riyahd Metropolitano today is whether Arteta will finally unleash them on the field at some point of the Champions League semifinal.