This is how Atlético Madrid has changed since Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat: “it has evolved in recent months”

Six months and eight days have passed since Atlético Madrid and Arsenal last crossed paths in this season’s Champions League. That meeting, in the league phase at the Emirates Stadium, ended in a 4-0 win for the English side. The same opponents now face off again in the opening leg of the semifinal. The same, yet very different. “How we’ve changed in 190 days,” Diego Simeone might say. “And there’s one handicap that favors Atlético: this Arsenal has never played at the Metropolitano.”

Those who understand what happens when Atlético plays a game of this magnitude at home know its impact well. Luis García Tevenet, who coached Atlético’s reserve side from 2021 to 2024 and was part of Simeone’s staff last season, has experienced it firsthand. “The bond between fans and team multiplies a thousandfold,” he explains. The numbers back it up: in 21 Champions League knockout ties at home, Atlético have lost just once, against Barcelona in this season’s quarterfinal second leg – a result that still saw them advance. “Atlético’s football is deeply aligned with home games,” he adds. That identity has evolved in recent months, gaining sharper decision-making on the ball and greater verticality.

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Changes in two areas have been key. First, the center-back pairing. “Pubill and Hancko allow the team to press much higher because they’re strong and quick in one-on-one situations.” Back in October, the former had barely featured, while the latter often played at left back and struggled against Bukayo Saka. The second shift has come on the left flank. “With Lookman’s arrival, the team now has the pace it needed, something Giuliano already provided on the right,” Tevenet notes. Signed in January, Lookman’s impact is clear: 11 goal involvements in 18 appearances (seven goals, four assists). “For me, he’s been one of the club’s most important signings in the past six or seven years – Atlético are now far more unpredictable on both wings.”

Antoine Griezmann, who played just 18 minutes in that 4-0 defeat – and only after all the goals had been scored – has also transformed his role. Back then, he had started five of the previous 11 games on the bench. That is no longer the case. Now a regular starter, he has scored 14 goals in the 37 matches since. “Physically and statistically, he’s at a top level,” says Tevenet. At 35. But beyond the numbers, it’s his mind that stands out – “a treasure map,” as Tevenet describes it. He knows exactly where the options are in every play, especially the teammates who understand the game.” Like Koke, another veteran whose influence often goes unnoticed. “He does so many things, but because they’re not flashy, they don’t get the recognition they deserve. And yet, they matter enormously.”

If this Atlético side has improved in those areas, there are still concerns. The first is Pablo Barrios’ injury. “His absence should serve as motivation. The team has gone through crucial months without him,” Tevenet says. The second is set pieces – a strength for Arsenal (25 goals) and a weakness for Atlético (18 conceded). “The key is to defend far from your goal to avoid giving away set-piece situations near your box.” In that regard, Alexander Sørloth’s 6-foot-5 (1.95m) presence could prove useful. He started in that 4-0 defeat.

Now, everything may hinge on the Metropolitano. Tevenet returns to his opening point: “Arsenal doesn’t know what it’s like to play here, but Atlético does know what it’s like to play at the Emirates.” That experience could serve as their map for the return leg – and perhaps their path to the final.

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