Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Head-to-head, match preview, predicted lineups and score prediction

The UEFA Champions League returns with a blockbuster clash on October 21, 2025, as Premier League leaders Arsenal welcome La Liga contenders Atletico Madrid to the Emirates Stadium. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM BST, and this fixture pits Mikel Arteta’s defensively impenetrable Gunners against Diego Simeone’s gritty, counter-attacking Colchoneros. Both sides are chasing momentum in the revamped league phase, with Arsenal aiming to extend their flawless start and Atletico seeking their first away win of the season.

For fans searching for Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid predictions, head-to-head stats, or Champions League lineups, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need.

Head-to-Head

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have locked horns just four times in competitive fixtures, all in the UEFA Europa League, with the record standing at one win apiece and two draws.

Their most memorable meeting came in the 2017-18 Europa League semi-finals, Arsene Wenger’s European swansong at Arsenal. The first leg at the Emirates ended 1-1, with Alexandre Lacazette’s header cancelled out by Antoine Griezmann’s late leveller after a defensive lapse. In the return at the Wanda Metropolitano, Diego Costa’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 win for Atletico (2-1 aggregate), propelling them to the final where they beat Marseille. Earlier clashes include a 1-1 friendly draw in 2018 (followed by Atletico’s 3-1 penalty win) and a 2-1 Arsenal victory in the 2009 Emirates Cup.

Arsenal hold a broader edge against Spanish sides, winning their last six Champions League games against La Liga teams—a record streak. Atletico, meanwhile, have won just once in their last nine European trips to England (D2 L6). This debut Champions League meeting adds fresh intrigue to an already storied rivalry.

Match Preview

Arsenal enter this showdown in scintillating form, unbeaten in eight across all competitions and leading the Premier League by three points after a gritty 1-0 win at Fulham. They’ve kept clean sheets in their last five outings, conceding just three goals all season, and boast a remarkable 12 straight home Champions League games without leaking at the Emirates. In Europe, 2-0 victories over Athletic Club and Olympiacos have them level with Inter as the only teams yet to concede this term. A win here marks their 100th in Champions League history and seventh straight against Spanish foes.

Atletico sit fourth in La Liga but trail leaders Real Madrid by eight points, with a recent 1-0 grind over Osasuna highlighting their resilience. In the Champions League, a 3-2 loss at Liverpool was followed by a 5-1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt, where they led the competition in line-breaking passes (22). However, Simeone’s men are winless in five away games this season (L2 D3), scoring in all 11 competitive outings but vulnerable at the back.

Predicted Lineups

Arteta is set to tweak his lineup for freshness, handing starts to returning stars while resting Riccardo Calafiori amid a packed schedule. Myles Lewis-Skelly earns a Champions League nod at left-back, with Eberechi Eze adding flair in midfield.

Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Simeone favors reliability, sticking with his trusted backline and pairing Alvarez with a physical forward. Conor Gallagher’s engine will be vital in transitions.

Atletico Madrid Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Gimenez, Hancko; Simeone (G), Gallagher, Koke, Barrios; Alvarez, Sorloth.

Score Prediction

Opta simulations give Arsenal a 65% win probability, with Atletico at just 19.3%. The Gunners’ home fortress and Spanish hoodoo should prevail, but Atletico’s scoring streak (in 17 of 18 UCL group games) hints at both teams netting.

Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-1 Atletico Madrid.