Thursday 3rd May 2018 Kick off 2005hrs Atletico Madrid v Arsenal Football – Europe – Europa League The story going into the first leg of the semi-final between Atletico and Arsenal was Arsene Wenger’s decision to leave the Gunners at the end of the season. It appeared to be having a direct impact on the level of performance shown by Arsenal as they dominated the majority of the game and looked like recording a well deserved, and impressive result over the favourites. Atleti responded – showing the battling qualities they are renowned for – to equalise and give them the upper hand in the tie. What lies ahead in the second leg on Thursday?!
Everything that could go wrong did go wrong for Atletico Madrid in the first leg in London last week. A (deserved) red card for right back Sime Vrsalijko in the first 20 minutes meant that Diego Simeone had to alter his team’s tactics and as such, presented much less of an attacking threat. Matters were made worse shortly after with the Atleti manager being sent to the stands himself. The final result only served to underline how much desire and determination exists within the squad and they deal with adversity as good as any other team in Europe. Following the events of the first leg, the La Liga outfit will likely call upon the vastly experienced Juanfran the fill the gap at right back whilst Simeone will not be allowed to have any contact with his team during the game. One piece of good news is the return of Diego Costa who played for an hour in the weekend win over Alaves and would be a welcome addition against a team who he revelled playing against during his time at Chelsea. His inclusion would give Atleti a threat they were missing last week.
Arsenal have come in for huge amounts of criticism over the last few years, with their character often brought into question. A lack of leadership on the field and a seemingly stubborn manager off it have soured the relationship between Wenger and the Arsenal supporters but the first hour of so last week was as good a performance as the Gunners have turned in over recent seasons. There was a purpose about their play and the fans got behind them as a result – arguably for the first time in this Europa League run. Unfortunately there was an all too familiar lapse in concentration in defence which gifted Atletico their equaliser and left Arsenal rueing a plethora of missed opportunities. They are certainly not out the tie but they do face a difficult task as they try to reach what would be their second European final of Wenger’s reign. Sunday’s game at Old Trafford was sacrificed somewhat with a number of players not even making the trip to Manchester. One man who did – and could play a vital role on Thursday returning from injury – was Henrikh Mkhitaryan. He has been sensational in the Europa League in recent seasons and adds another goal threat.
Atletico Madrid v Arsenal Betting Tip
This tie would not have looked out of place in the latter stages of the Champions League in the last few seasons and whoever succeeds will be the overwhelming favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy. In many ways Atletico appeared to be the worst opponent for Arsenal but the Premier League team coped well in the first leg, although aided by their opponents going down to 10 men early on. Atleti will be confident of securing their passage to the final now they have that vital away goal and will be playing at what has been something like a fortress. That said, Chelsea are one of two teams to have won at the Wanda Metropolitano this season, so Arsenal can take some confidence from their London rivals.
The size of the task facing Arsenal in the second leg should not be underestimated. Atletico have not conceded a goal at home in their last 11 matches across all competitions. It’s a phenomenal record and one that the visitors will have to end if they are to make it to Lyon next month. Wins to nil over FC Copenhagen, Lokomotiv Moscow and Sporting Lisbon further illustrate the miserly defence of Simeone’s team – something that they are synonymous with. The Gunners have been impressive on their travels in the Europa League, with the only slip coming against FC Koln in the group stage. The highlight was undoubtedly a 3-0 win over Milan in the San Siro but this is another couple of steps up on that. Atletico done the hard work to get an away goal in the first leg whilst down to 10 men and they can finish the job off here by getting a win.
Atletico Madrid 77/100 @ Marathon Bet
