The stage is set for a heavyweight clash in the 2025‑26 UEFA Champions League as Arsenal host Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Team news has dropped, and both sets of supporters will be rapt to see how the two sides shape up.
According to Football-Talk, the official line-ups have now been confirmed.
European form & table context
Arsenal enter this tie having won their opening two matches in Group? In the Champions League, they sit atop their section with momentum on their side.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, are seeking to recover from a recent setback and know that anything less than a strong performance will leave them under pressure in the group.
The result here could significantly influence qualification chances: a win for Arsenal all but secures top spot and sends a warning to the rest of the group.
For Atlético, a draw would be a respectable outcome, but a loss would trigger considerable concern about their path to the knockout rounds.
Confirmed Starting XI breakdown
Arsenal (starting XI): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel; Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice; Eze, Saka; Martinelli, Gyökeres.
Atlético Madrid (starting XI): Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Hancko; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, González; Sörloth, Álvarez.
Notable absentees and squad issues
Arsenal are without several key players: Martin Ødegaard (knee), Kai Havertz (knee), and Noni Madueke (knee) are all unavailable for the showdown.
Meanwhile, Atlético misses Johnny Cardoso (ankle) and doubts Nico González (concussion) ahead of the game. These absences add a tactical edge: Arsenal will rely on its squad depth, and Atlético must stay disciplined to cover for the missing players.
What the result means
- Win for Arsenal: A major boost – top of the group secured, full control of their destiny, and a psychological edge over a major rival.
- Draw: A decent outcome for Arsenal (still in control) but less than ideal for Atlético, who need to maximise every point to keep their qualification hopes alive.
- Loss: A blow for Arsenal’s continental ambitions and a chance seized for Atlético to shift momentum and climb back into contention.