Arsenal Host Atletico Madrid in Champions League Clash as Arteta, Simeone Renew Rivalry

BY Bamidele Atoyebi
October 21, 2025
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Arsenal will take on Atletico Madrid tonight at the Emirates Stadium in a UEFA Champions League matchday 3 fixture that promises tactical intensity and emotional charge, as Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone face each other for the first time on the touchline.

This encounter marks only the third meeting between both sides, the last coming in the 2017–18 Europa League semi-finals, where Atletico narrowly eliminated the Gunners.

Arteta’s side enter the clash in superb form, having won their first two group matches, scoring four goals without conceding. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, recovered from an opening-day loss to Liverpool with a dominant 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday 2.

Domestically, Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table after winning all their matches and conceding only twice. Their depth and consistency have made them early favourites for the title.

In Spain, Atletico’s campaign started with a string of draws but has since stabilised with three wins from their last four La Liga outings, including a narrow victory over Osasuna at the weekend.

Arteta confirmed that new signing Piero Hincapié is expected to return to the matchday squad after missing several games due to injury. However, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and captain Martin Ødegaard remain sidelined.

For Atletico, Thiago Almada is pushing for a starting spot after scoring the winner against Osasuna, while Giuliano Simeone and Conor Gallagher are also expected to return.

Alexander Sørloth may be given a starting role after being used mostly as a substitute. The only confirmed absentee for the Spanish side is Johnny Cardoso, who is nursing an ankle injury.

Analysts expect a fiercely contested match, with Atletico’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat testing Arsenal’s fluid attacking style.

Despite Simeone’s side showing renewed spirit after a sluggish start, Arsenal’s form and home advantage may prove decisive.

Kick-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time.