04/29/26 02:49:00
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04/29 02:45 CDT Arsenal and Atletico Madrid meet in Spain aiming for Champions
League final return
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid meet in Spain aiming for Champions League final
return
By TALES AZZONI
AP Sports Writer
MADRID (AP) --- Atletico Madrid and Arsenal begin a Champions League semifinal
series Wednesday, with both clubs trying to return to the final after a long
absence and aiming to win the competition for the first time.
Atletico last played in the semifinals in 2016, when it reached the final
before losing to city rival Real Madrid. Arsenal last appeared in the final in
2006, when it lost to Barcelona.
"It's a huge objective, something the club has never achieved," Atletico coach
Diego Simeone said Tuesday. "But it's a soccer match and, ultimately, it's the
players who decide these games."
Simeone could be without striker Ademola Lookman, who missed the last two games
because of a muscle issue.
Kai Havertz has been ruled out for Arsenal. The Germany international was
substituted in the first half of Arsenal's win over Newcastle in the Premier
League on Saturday because of a muscle injury. Jurrien Timber also won't make
it to Wednesday's match.
Arsenal was eliminated by eventual champion Paris Saint-Germain in last year's
semifinals.
PSG edged Bayern Munich 5-4 at home Tuesday in the first leg of the other
semifinal.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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