Story perspectives

Arsenal Leads Atletico 1-0 at Halftime in CL Semis

4/30/2026

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Summary

Arsenal Leads

Arsenal led Atletico Madrid 1-0 at halftime in the Champions League semifinal on April 29 2026.
The match began at 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. BST) at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
U.S. viewers can watch on CBS or stream Paramount Plus, while UK fans see it on TNT Sports 1 via HBO Max.
Free TV coverage is available in Ireland (RTÉ 2), Belgium (RTL Club) and Luxembourg (RTL 2).
DraftKings lists Arsenal as +130 favorites and Atletico Madrid as +220 underdogs.

Summary

Saka benched

Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka will sit on bench for semi-final despite being fit after his cameo on April 25 2026.
Diego Simeone will be without striker Ademola Lookman, who missed last two La Liga games with a muscle issue.
Arsenal omits right-back Jurrien Timber and midfielder Kai Havertz from its squad.
Atletico Madrid omits centre-back José Giménez and defender David Hancko because of injury.

History

Historical Context

The 2005 UEFA Champions League final on 25 May 2005 saw Liverpool overturn a 3-0 halftime deficit against Milan to claim their fifth European Cup, a match dubbed the ‘Miracle of Istanbul.’ That comeback reshaped expectations of tactical depth, a legacy echoed in the 2026 semifinal rotation debates involving Arsenal’s Arteta and Atlético’s Simeone.

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Arsenal Leads

Arsenal led Atletico Madrid 1-0 at halftime in the Champions League semifinal on April 29 2026.
The match began at 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. BST) at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
U.S. viewers can watch on CBS or stream Paramount Plus, while UK fans see it on TNT Sports 1 via HBO Max.
Free TV coverage is available in Ireland (RTÉ 2), Belgium (RTL Club) and Luxembourg (RTL 2).
DraftKings lists Arsenal as +130 favorites and Atletico Madrid as +220 underdogs.

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