Everything is ready at the Wanda Metropolitano for the first act of the semifinal between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, with the kickoff whistle set for 9 p.m. Wednesday night. After eliminating Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon respectively, the two sides will face each other in the first leg in Spain, ahead of the decisive return match to be played at London’s Emirates Stadium.
In the Colchoneros’ house, Diego Simeone is grappling with some delicate decisions related to the physical condition of his men. Between the posts, Oblak seems to have won the ballot with Musso, providing the usual security for the backline. In defense, the Argentine coach should go for a line composed of Ruggeri and Molina on the outsides, with Le Normand and Pubill in charge of the central area. There is a lot of attention around Lookman, who complained of physical discomfort during the last refinement; in case of his forfeit, it will be Baena who will occupy the left lane. The offensive department will see the pair of Griezmann and Alvarez try to unhinge the English defense, while Sorloth remains a weighty option to be inserted as the game progresses. The negative note for Simeone comes from the infirmary, where Nico Gonzalez has been declared unavailable for both the first leg and the return leg due to a muscle injury.
The situation is no less complex for Mikel Arteta, who has to manage a now chronic injury emergency. Arsenal flies to Spain forcibly renouncing Timber, Merino and Havertz, three elements that would have guaranteed greater rotation and tactical quality. Despite the difficulties, the English coaching staff is counting on being able to field Saka from the first minute, with the outfielder ready to enliven the offensive maneuver. The three-quarter should consist of Odegaard and Martinelli, who will have the task of triggering Gyokeres, the only advanced point of reference called upon to hit the Madrid defense.
Probable formations
Aletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Pubill, Ruggeri; G. Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Lookman; Griezmann, Alvarez. All. Simeone.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres. All. Arteta.
