Arsenal will begin their quest to reach the Champions League final when they travel to face Atletico Madrid on April 29 in Spain, with the second leg of their semi-final taking place at the Emirates. The Gunners narrowly progressed past Sporting CP at the Emirates, reaching the last four for the second consecutive season.
Mikel Arteta‘s side claimed a 1-0 victory in Portugal before holding their visitors to a 0-0 draw at home. Last season they were eliminated by PSG, and 12 months on will now face Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side were thrashed 4-0 by Arsenal earlier this campaign, but managed to overcome Barcelona in the quarter-finals to secure their semi-final berth.
Simeone is targeting a third Champions League final having suffered defeat in 2014 and 2016, on both occasions to Real Madrid.
They will welcome the Premier League outfit in late April before travelling to London on May 5. The other semi-final sees holders PSG take on Bayern Munich, who beat Real Madrid in an all-time classic that was settled by late stunners from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise.
PSG ended Liverpool‘s European aspirations for the second successive year and have appeared unstoppable at times as they bid to retain their crown.
The semi-final will be a repeat of the 2020 Champions League final, which was won by the German side. PSG will stage the first leg on April 28 before travelling to the Allianz Arena eight days later on May 6.
PSG claimed the Champions League for the first time in their history last year, hammering Inter Milan in the final. Luis Enrique is eyeing a third Champions League success having also masterminded Barcelona’s success in 2015.
Arsenal and Atletico are both chasing their first European triumph. Each side has previously endured a final defeat, but one of them will find themselves just 90 minutes away from a historic first victory.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Real locked horns in a breathtaking encounter that saw the hosts triumph 4-3 on the night, with the tie concluding 6-4 on aggregate in favour of the German giants. Eduardo Camavinga was dismissed late on, with former Liverpool winger Diaz and Olise netting late strikes to seal the win.
Champions League semi-final draw
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal
Champions League semi-finals ties
PSG vs Bayern Munich – April 28
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal – April 29
Bayern Munich vs PSG – May 5
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid – May 6