Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Gunners have six points from two UCL matches so far, whilst Atleti have one win and one defeat. Diego Simeone’s side tends to struggle on away trips to England.

Match: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
When: Tuesday, 21 Oct 2025

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have won six of their last seven matches. They began the Champions League with a 2-0 win away at Athletic Bilbao. A late goal was needed to rescue a deserved 1-1 home draw vs Man City, before string together five straight victories.

A 2-0 win at Port Vale in the Carabao Cup was followed by a last-gasp 2-1 win at Newcastle, having trailed 1-0. Matchday Two of the Champions League brought a 2-0 home win over Olympiakos. After dominating West Ham in a 2-0 win (21-4 on shots), they needed a set-piece goal to win 1-0 at Fulham on Saturday.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta’s injury list still includes four of his key attackers. Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are ruled out.

Piero Hincapie is available after injury and there could be some rotation. Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli are the main options to come into the XI.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal have a testing game against Crystal Palace ahead, but all attention will go on trying to take three points here.

Arteta’s side are not expected to play an open style of play. They will be guarded against Atleti’s fast counters and will want to ensure they do not concede first.

Atletico Madrid Form

Atletico made a poor start to the season with just one win in the first six matches. That streak included a late 3-2 loss at Liverpool on Matchday One. Their form has picked up dramatically since then with four wins and a draw in five matches.

A 3-2 home win over Rayo Vallecano was followed by an incredible 5-2 home thrashing of Real Madrid where they allowed just 0.66 xG. They put up 4.44 xG and eight big chances in a 5-1 home win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday Two. They’ve since drawn 1-1 at Celta Vigo with ten men and beat Osasuna 1-0 at home on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid Team News

Diego Simeone is without Johnny Cardoso due to an ankle injury. Clement Lenglet is available after a domestic suspension.

Giuliano Simeone is set to return to the starting XI. Alex Baena is most likely to drop down to the bench. The coach must decide between a back five and a back four for this key match.

Atletico Madrid Motivation

The approach of Diego Simeone will be clear from his team selection. A back five would indicate that Atletico have come to stifle and frustrate Arsenal.

A draw would be a good result, and they can’t afford to lose after their Matchday One setback.

Key Stats

• Arsenal have won 7 of their last 8 matches
• Arsenal have won their last 6 matches vs Spanish clubs
• Atletico Madrid have won 4 of their last 5 matches
• Atletico have only won just 1 of their last 9 matches against English clubs in the UCL (lost 6).
• Atletico’s Alvarez has scored 13 goals in his last 11 UCL matches

Verdict

Both sides should score in this match. Atletico have found their scoring touch, but Arsenal are backed to win the match.

Best Bet: Arsenal win

High Value Bet: Arsenal to win and both teams to score

Anytime Goalscorer Tip: Julian Alvarez