Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid

Arsenal and Atlético Madrid renew European hostilities at the Emirates Stadium on UCL Match Day 3 as they look to hold on to 5th place or climb even higher up the table. The only previous meetings between the two came in the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where Atlético advanced 2–1 on aggregate, with Diego Costa’s decisive goal sending the Spanish side to the final. That encounter still lingers in the memory for Arsenal fans, who will be eager for a measure of revenge on home soil. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal enter this match in formidable continental form. The Gunners have won each of their last six games against Spanish teams, beating Real Madrid (twice), Sevilla (twice), Girona, and Athletic Club during that sequence—a feat that already stands as the longest ever winning run by any team against Spanish opposition in Champions League history. Their performances this season have been defined by control and defensive discipline, as they are one of only two teams — alongside Internazionale — yet to concede a goal in the current campaign. Arsenal also boast the best expected goals against (0.85) in the competition, consistently holding opponents to minimal chances. Impressively, they have restricted teams to under one expected goal in seven of their last ten Champions League matches, illustrating the clarity of their defensive structure. Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard could team up at the attacking end of Arteta's 4—3—3 formation, having done so in the 2-0 win over Olympiacos.

Atlético Madrid, who are coming off the back of a 1-0 win over Osasuna, arrive with mixed European form. The visitors sit in 10th place on the league phase table, having bounced back 5-1 against Frankfurt after an opening day defeat to Premier League champions Liverpool. Now the Mattress makers eye back-to-back European victories. However, Diego Simeone’s side have never won away to an English club in the group or league phases of the Champions League (D2 L3), and their last visit to London ended in a 4–0 defeat to Chelsea back in 2009. Furthermore, Atlético have won only one of their last nine games against English opposition in Europe (D2 L6), that solitary victory coming against Manchester United in March 2022. Given Arsenal’s momentum, defensive strength, and home advantage, the Gunners appear well placed to maintain their perfect European record. However, Atlético’s experience and tactical discipline mean this could be a tense, tactical contest decided by fine margins. A 4—4—2 formation with Julián Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann in attack is expected against Arsenal.