Atlético – Arsenal: the lineups are out
A few hours before the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, Diego Simeone and Mikel Arteta have revealed their starting XIs. Both teams will have to cope with several important absences for this highly anticipated clash in Madrid.
Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal meet this Wednesday evening (8 p.m., GMT+1) for a Champions League semi-final first leg that promises to be particularly closely contested. At the Madrid stadium, Diego Simeone has to cope with several important absences. Pablo Barrios and Nico González are indeed out, forcing the Argentine coach to readjust his midfield and attacking rotations. On the other side, Mikel Arteta also travels with a reduced squad. Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are all absent, leaving the London staff with limited choices in building the midfield and the attack.
The lineups confirm strong selections on both sides. For Atlético, Jan Oblak is starting in goal, protected by a defense made up of Llorente, Pubill, Hancko and Ruggeri. In midfield, Simeone, Cardoso and the captain Koke will be paired, with Ademola Lookman supporting a forward duo Antoine Griezmann – Julián Álvarez. Arsenal line up David Raya in goal, behind White, Saliba, Gabriel and Hincapié. The midfield is entrusted to Zubimendi and Declan Rice, while the attacking play relies on Madueke, Martin Ødegaard and Martinelli, with Viktor Gyökeres up front.
The official lineups:
Atlético: Oblak – Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri – Simeone, Cardoso, Koke (c), Lookman – Griezmann, Alvarez.
Arsenal: Raya – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié – Zubimendi, Rice – Madueke, Ødegaard (c), Martinelli – Gyökeres.
