Odds courtesy of TonyBet.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Odds
There’s no clear favorite here at soccer betting sportsbooks. The hosts sit at +190 odds, while Arsenal has +160 odds on the moneyline. A draw for the first leg is priced at +225.
These two sides have never met in the Champions League, but they did clash in the 2017-18 Europa League semifinals, with Atleti running out 2-1 winners on aggregate.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Analysis
It hasn’t been the prettiest domestic campaign for Atletico, who sit in fourth place. While they’re definitely going to be playing Champions League football next season, one way or another, the Spanish side isn’t in the title race. That being said, Atleti has impressed in this competition, and they’re only one step away from playing in a final. Diego Simeone’s side shocked Barca in the last eight, winning 3-2 on aggregate.
Atletico won the first leg 2-0 before a 2-1 defeat in the return tie, but they did just enough to progress. Julian Alvarez has been the main man up top in the Champions League, bagging nine goals and tallying four assists. Alexander Sorloth also has six goals to his name. Atleti will need both of them to be firing on all cylinders against an Arsenal backline that is typically strong. However, they’ve looked unstable at times in recent weeks.
The Gunners are undoubtedly sweating in the Premier League, with their nine-point lead at the top of the table gone. Manchester City is now level with them in first place, and Arsenal can’t afford any more slip-ups if they’re going to win it all. But Mikel Arteta’s group did secure a much-needed victory over the weekend, beating Newcastle by a goal.
While winning the Premier League is a massive focus, the Champions League trophy remains a serious reality for this club as well. Arsenal were the only team in the group stages to grab a perfect eight wins from eight games. While the Gunners were unconvincing in the final third against Sporting, Kai Havertz’s first leg goal proved to be enough to send them through to the last four for the second season in a row.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Injury News
Atletico Madrid will be without Pablo Barrios (hamstring) and Jose Gimenez (muscle), while Ademola Lookman (muscle) and David Hancko (ankle) are both doubtful and face late fitness tests. Julian Alvarez is also a minor concern due to ongoing discomfort, though there’s optimism he could return to the starting XI alongside Antoine Griezmann or Alexander Sorloth.
Arsenal remains short-handed with Mikel Merino (foot) and Jurrien Timber (ankle) sidelined, while Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt after a recent knock. Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Zubimendi will all be assessed after early exits last time out, though Eze has suggested his issue was precautionary.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Picks
Both of these sides are defensively solid, and neither of them are scoring a lot of goals lately. I’ll take hard-fought draw in the first leg, setting the stage for a decisive return tie in North London next week.
Pick: Draw +225/TonyBet
