In a stunning tactical shift ahead of Arsenal’s decisive Champions League semifinal clash with Atletico Madrid, Mikel Arteta has opted to leave Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli out of the starting lineup.
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.
A spot in Budapest up for grabs 🤩#UCL pic.twitter.com/XCMJWKVhsP
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 5, 2026
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.
