UEFA Champions League
7:00 p.mMay 5, 2026
semi-finals
arsenal*1 – 0
VAT:(1-0)
Added:(2-1)
Atlético de MadridEmirates Stadium
Referee: Daniel Siebert, Germany
arsenal
Atlético de Madrid
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.58
Expected Goals (xG)
0.50
Passing by
376 (86%)
Accurate passes
318 (83%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
David Raya
7.2
d
Riccardo Calafiori
90+5′
6
d
Gabriel Magalhães
6.9
2
d
Guillem Saliba
7.2
4
d
Ben White
6.9
49
M
Myles Lewis-Skelly
6.3
41
M
Rice Declan
7.6
19
M
Leandro Trossard
7.2
10
M
god bless you
6.6
M
Bukayo Saka (C)
44′
14
F
Viktor Gyökeres
5.9
13
G
Jan Oblak
6.6
3
d
Matteo Ruggeri
6.6
17
d
David Hanko
7.0
24
d
Robin Le Normand
6.7
d
Mark Pubill
81′ Holding
22
M
Ademola Lookman
6.5
M
Fast (C)
90+5′
14
M
Marc Llorente
6.9
20
M
Giuliano Simeone
6.7
19
F
Julian Alvarez
6.7
7
F
Antoine Griezmann
6.9
UEFA Champions League Ranking – UEFA Champions League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Champions League (Play Off: Round of 16)
Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, with Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal proving decisive in this intense Champions League clash.
Arsenal entered this matchday sitting at the top of their group with a perfect record. The Gunners had won all eight games played so far. Atlético de Madrid, meanwhile, were in 14th place with four wins in eight games. Both teams looked to make a statement in this high-stakes European encounter.
The early stages saw Arsenal dominate possession and territory. The home team controlled the ball with 53% possession and pressed high up the pitch. Atlético de Madrid have set up defensively, looking to hit Arsenal on the counter attack.
Saka broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. The winger found space on the left flank and cut inside onto his stronger right foot. He fired a pinpoint shot past the Atlético goalkeeper to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Arsenal’s attacking play created real danger in the first half. The Gunners registered 13 shots in total, although only two found the target. His expected goals total of 1.58 reflected his attacking threat. Atlético Madrid struggled to create clear openings, managing just nine shots with two on target.
In the second half, Atlético de Madrid came out with renewed intensity. The visitors pressed higher and looked to test Arsenal’s defense more consistently. However, Arsenal’s backline remained resolute, with William Saliba and the defense holding firm.
Atlético Madrid pushed for an equalizer but lacked the edge needed to trouble David Raya in the Arsenal goal. The goalkeeper made two saves to preserve his team’s lead. Arsenal’s midfield, led by Declan Rice, controlled the tempo and limited Atlético’s chances of creation.
The match became increasingly tense as it progressed towards full time. Both teams received yellow cards in the final phase. Atlético’s Marcos Pubill was booked in the 81st minute. Late bookings for Simeone, Arteta, Koke and Calafiori followed as tensions mounted.
Arsenal’s defensive display proved crucial in securing victory. The Gunners completed 376 accurate passes from 439 attempts, maintaining 86% accuracy. Atlético de Madrid managed 318 accurate passes out of a total of 381, achieving 83% accuracy. Rice delivered a commanding performance with four tackles and two key passes.
Saka’s scoring contribution earned him a grade of 7.2 despite playing 58 minutes. The winger has created chances and shown quality throughout his time on the pitch. His clinical finishing proved the difference in a tight contest.
This win extends Arsenal’s perfect record to eight wins in eight matches. The Gunners remain top of their group with 24 points. Atlético Madrid’s fourth defeat of the campaign leaves them searching for consistency at this level.
Arsenal’s defensive organization and clinical finishing secured a vital three points. The Gunners will look to maintain that momentum in their next few games. Atlético Madrid must regroup and find ways to break down opponents defensively more effectively.
