How to watch Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Champions League 2025/26

Atletico are the type of opponents that used to keep Arsenal fans and players up at night. Not now. If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then Mikel Arteta has tickled Diego Simeone pink with praise by recasting the Gunners in the Rojiblancos’ image. El Cholo and Atletico effectively pulling down the curtain on Arsene Wenger’s 21-year Arsenal tenure might have had something to do with it.

Having had the best defensive record in the competition last season, Arsenal are one of two sides yet to concede a goal in the Champions League this term. And it appears they also have something of a psychological edge. Although Atleti have scored in every game they’ve played this season, they’re yet to win away from home. They’ve also gone winless in their past nine UCL group/league phase ties with English opposition, while star man Julian Alvarez drew blanks against Arsenal in four games as a Man City player.