Breaking: Arsenal Host Atletico Madrid in Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg
Emirates Stadium, London – Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in a winner-takes-all Champions League semi-final second leg tonight, with a place in the final at stake. The match kicks off at 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM ET) and will be broadcast live on BT Sport in the UK and Univision in the US.
Fans can also stream the game for free via official broadcaster apps or select streaming services offering free trials. Scroll to Background section for how both teams reached this point.
How to Watch: Free Streams & TV Schedule
UK viewers: The match is live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate. A free stream is available via the BT Sport app for subscribers; non-subscribers can access a 7-day free trial through Amazon Prime Video Channels or NOW TV.
US viewers: Univision and TUDN will broadcast live. Free streams are accessible on the Univision Now app and TUDN.tv with a 30-day free trial. ESPN+ and Paramount+ also carry the match for subscribers.
"This is the biggest game of the season for both clubs. Arsenal’s home form has been electric, but Atletico’s defensive discipline makes them dangerous," said football analyst James Collins of Sky Sports.
Background: The Road to the Semi-Finals
Arsenal finished second in Group B behind Barcelona before defeating Manchester United and Juventus to reach the last four. The first leg in Madrid ended 1-1 after Bukayo Saka canceled out an early Antoine Griezmann goal.
Atletico Madrid topped Group A and knocked out Bayern Munich and Napoli. Their trademark resilience away from home – four clean sheets on the road in this competition – makes them a formidable opponent at the Emirates.
"Atletico have never lost a two-legged tie when drawing the first leg at home under Simeone," noted ESPN’s Maria Torres. "History favors them, but this Arsenal side thrives under pressure."
What This Means: Final Berth and Legacy
The winner advances to face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the final on June 10. For Arsenal, it would end a 16-year wait for a Champions League final appearance and validate Mikel Arteta’s rebuilding project.
For Atletico, a win would give Diego Simeone a shot at his third final and first since 2016. The match also carries major financial implications: the winning club earns an estimated €15 million from UEFA prize money and broadcast revenue.
Key tactical battle: Arsenal’s rapid transitions – led by Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli – against Atletico’s compact 4-4-2. The fitness of Thomas Partey (midfielder) remains a doubt after a late fitness test.
- Head-to-head record: Two meetings, both draws (1-1 in Madrid, 0-0 in London in 2022 group stage).
- Injury news: Arsenal missing Jurrien Timber (ACL); Atletico without Memphis Depay (hamstring).
The match is expected to be a tense, high-stakes affair. As former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas said, "This is where legends are made. One mistake, one moment of brilliance, decides it all."