Story perspectives

Arsenal ready for Atletico semi; Ødegaard, Havertz fit, Saka scores

5/5/2026

Summary

Arsenal Hosts

Arsenal will host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg on May 5 2026.
Manager Mikel Arteta said Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz are fit after Ødegaard missed the leg with a knee problem and Havertz recovered from a muscle issue.
Jurrien Timber is out with an injury while Mikel Merino stays unavailable after foot surgery.
Bukayo Saka returned in the 3-0 Fulham win, scoring and assisting within 45 minutes.

Summary

Álvarez Returns

Diego Simeone said Atletico Madrid switched to a cheaper hotel for the London second-leg, rejecting superstition claims and noting improved finances since October.
Julian Álvarez, an Argentine World Cup winner, joined Atletico’s travelling squad despite injury doubt after the first-leg penalty.
Julian Álvarez, who has 20 goals and nine assists in 48 matches, brings Manchester City Premier League experience which Diego Simeone says is crucial for the return fixture.

History

Historical Context

On 17 May 2006 Arsenal became the first London club to reach the UEFA Champions League final, losing 2-1 to Barcelona after Jens Lehmann’s early red card; the Gunners had set a record 919-minute clean-sheet run and stood to earn about €34.7 million as runners-up. That experience of injury-driven defeat and financial pressure informs their 2026 semi-final clash with Atletico.

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Arsenal Hosts

Arsenal will host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg on May 5 2026.
Manager Mikel Arteta said Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz are fit after Ødegaard missed the leg with a knee problem and Havertz recovered from a muscle issue.
Jurrien Timber is out with an injury while Mikel Merino stays unavailable after foot surgery.
Bukayo Saka returned in the 3-0 Fulham win, scoring and assisting within 45 minutes.

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