Arsenal - Atletico Madrid: When the Gunners Show Their Strength

Arsenal is currently in excellent form this season. They lead the Premier League, and in this Champions League campaign, the Gunners have maintained a perfect winning record.

Mikel Arteta’s squad began their European campaign impressively with two consecutive 2-0 victories over Athletic Bilbao and Olympiacos. They enter the clash with Atletico Madrid full of confidence after extending their Premier League lead with a 1-0 win against Fulham.

Up to now, Arsenal and Inter Milan are the only teams yet to concede a goal in this season’s Champions League. Arsenal has also performed well recently against Spanish clubs, winning 4 of their last 6 matches against different opponents including Real Madrid (twice), Sevilla (twice), Girona, and Athletic Bilbao.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid has not had a strong start to this season.

Diego Simeone’s team recently ended a streak of seven consecutive matches conceding goals with a 1-0 victory over Osasuna in La Liga. However, Atletico has demonstrated powerful attacking prowess this season, scoring 16 goals in their last 6 games.

With home advantage, the Gunners are considered stronger than their Spanish opponents.

Simeone’s team has only won once in their last 9 matches against English clubs in European competitions (2 draws, 6 losses). That single victory was a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Champions League round of 16 in March 2022. Atletico have never won an away match against an English team in either the Champions League group stage or knockout rounds, with 2 draws and 3 defeats.

In this match, Coach Simeone is unlikely to adopt an open attacking style at Emirates and will probably stick to his usual philosophy. Atletico will focus on solid defense and quick counterattacks.

When playing defensively, Atletico Madrid is always a very tough opponent to beat.

The showdown between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid will take place at 2 AM on October 22.