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Atletico vs Arsenal: First-Time Champions Semifinal, Injuries Loom

4/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Atletico Madrid host Arsenal at the Metropolitano on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 9 p.m., in a Champions League semifinal where neither has ever won the title.
Atletico, fourth in La Liga after a 3-2 win, may miss Lookman and Giménez while Arsenal, unbeaten in Champions League (10-2), lack Havertz and have doubts over Timber and Calafiori.
The game will air on TNT Sports/HBO Max (UK), Paramount+ (US), RTE2 (Ireland) and RTL Club (Belgium).

History

Historical Context

In 2004, Porto, led by José Mourinho, defeated Monaco 3-0 in Gelsenkirchen, giving the Portuguese club its first Champions League title since 1987 and marking Monaco’s inaugural final. That underdog breakthrough mirrors the 2026 semifinal, where first-time finalists Atlético Madrid and Arsenal both chase their maiden trophy, echoing the 2004 surprise.

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Story summary

Atletico Madrid host Arsenal at the Metropolitano on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 9 p.m., in a Champions League semifinal where neither has ever won the title.
Atletico, fourth in La Liga after a 3-2 win, may miss Lookman and Giménez while Arsenal, unbeaten in Champions League (10-2), lack Havertz and have doubts over Timber and Calafiori.
The game will air on TNT Sports/HBO Max (UK), Paramount+ (US), RTE2 (Ireland) and RTL Club (Belgium).

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