Champions League: Joe Cole predicts Arsenal–Atlético Madrid clash

As the Champions League semi-finals approach, Joe Cole has offered his analysis of the upcoming clash between Arsenal and Atlético Madrid. Mikel Arteta’s side booked their place in the final four after a tight quarter-final against Sporting CP, settled by a narrow 1-0 win, secured in part by a late Kai Havertz goal in Lisbon. Atlético, for their part, eliminated FC Barcelona in an intense duel (3-2 on aggregate), once again confirming the resilience of Diego Simeone’s teams.

In the other semi-final, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will take on Bayern Munich, having eliminated Liverpool and Real Madrid respectively. Despite a patchier end to the season — with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions — the Gunners can count on the backing of Joe Cole, who remains firmly confident about their chances of progressing. “Arsenal supporters should be very, very confident,” he said on TNT Sports. “They knew they were on the right side of the draw.”

The former England international nonetheless warned against the Madrid side’s style of play: “A semi-final against Atlético… Arsenal have important strengths, but their only real edge is experience.” Before concluding frankly: “It’s going to be a chaotic match. Arsenal can’t afford to be too naive. Atlético will use every weapon at their disposal, and Arsenal will need to know how to respond.”