Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Gunners Eye Historic 100th Champions League Win at the Emirates
Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League as Mikel Arteta’s side aim for a record 100th win. Preview, stats, form, and prediction.
Arsenal host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the UEFA Champions League group stage. It’s a clash between two European heavyweights with contrasting recent histories — Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, a side growing in confidence and consistency, and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, still searching for their trademark rhythm in continental football.
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Arsenal’s Dominant European Form
The Gunners enter this match riding an impressive wave of European success. They have won six consecutive matches against Spanish opposition in the Champions League — becoming the first team in the competition’s history to achieve such a streak.
A win over Atletico would mark Arsenal’s 100th victory in Champions League history, a milestone that underlines their resurgence under Arteta. Their home record in Europe has been near flawless: 14 straight wins in UEFA group or league phase matches at the Emirates, with 11 of those victories coming without conceding a single goal.
Their defensive solidity is backed by elite underlying metrics — averaging 2.1 expected goals (xG) for and conceding just 0.6 xGA per game in this season’s group stage. Arsenal’s control in possession (63%) and relentless pressing have made them one of the most balanced teams in Europe.
Saka Shines as Arsenal’s European Star
Domestically, the Gunners are also thriving. They remain unbeaten in the Premier League, collecting 10 points from a possible 12 at home and topping the league for expected points (xPTS).
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Bukayo Saka continues to be Arsenal’s standout performer on the continental stage. The young winger has already scored 11 goals in just 19 Champions League appearances — a record bettered only by Harry Kane among English players at the same stage of their careers.
Atletico Madrid’s Struggles on English Soil
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, travel to London with a mixed record in Europe. Simeone’s men have failed to win any of their last nine Champions League matches against English opposition (D4 L5). However, they remain a dangerous attacking side, scoring in 17 of their last 18 group-stage games, with averages of 1.5 goals and 1.4 xG per match.
Domestically, Atletico have found better rhythm in La Liga, but their European xPTS tally still falls short of expectations, highlighting their inconsistency away from Madrid.Prediction and Outlook
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With Arsenal’s record-breaking form at home and Atletico’s ongoing struggles on English soil, the Gunners are clear favorites heading into this tie. Expect Mikel Arteta’s side to dominate possession and dictate tempo as they aim for a statement win and their 100th Champions League victory.
