And after football champagne... it's time for Cholo's and Mikel's battle in trenches

In the wake of the breathtaking 5-4 aggregate thriller between PSG and Bayern - a tie already hailed as one of the greatest in Champions League history - expectations for tonight's clash at the Wanda Metropolitano (10 pm) are far more reserved.

While the football world remains enchanted by the Parc des Princes' spectacle, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are expected to provide a masterclass in tactical discipline and defensive grit.

Why can’t this match last forever? PSG broke Bayern in one of the greatest UCL matches ever!

Despite the expected "chess match" between Diego Simeone and Mikel Arteta on the pitch, both squads are overflowing with elite talent. Los Colchoneros' hopes rest on the shoulders of Julian Alvarez and the legendary Antoine Griezmann, who is looking to leave a lasting mark on European football before his move to MLS. Arsenal counters with a formidable lineup featuring Viktor Gyokeres, Declan Rice, and a fully recovered Bukayo Saka.

Arteta has faced increasing scrutiny for transforming Arsenal into a mirror image of Simeone's Atletico: a side that is hard, pragmatic, and obsessed with clean sheets. The Gunners secured their semi-final spot through a gruelling 1-0 aggregate victory over Sporting Lisbon, prioritising survival over flair.

However, the pressure is mounting. Despite a strong Premier League run, recent stumbles against Brighton and Manchester City have left Arteta needing a trophy to justify his seven-year project, which has so far yielded only one FA Cup.

The pre-match atmosphere was further ignited by Simeone, who openly discussed Arsenal's interest in Julian Alvarez.

"It's only natural that a player of Julian's quality is targeted by giants like Arsenal, PSG, and Barcelona," remarked the world's highest-paid manager.

Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard addressed the critics of their "decadent" style:

"In today's world, it's impossible to ignore the noise. We have to stay mentally strong and focus on the reality: we are at the top, fighting for two major trophies. This is exactly where we dreamed of being."

For Arsenal, this is a chance to end a 20-year wait for a Champions League final. Arteta remains focused on the opportunity:

"We've earned this through nine months of incredible work. This club was away from this competition for seven years. We don't take this privilege for granted. Now is the time to seize the moment."

Score a goal and fight for life — one goal is enough for Arsenal to keep title race alive

Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, but Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori are fit to feature. Atletico remains relatively healthy, missing only Pablo Barrios and Nico Gonzalez.

Although Arsenal dismantled Atletico 4-0 back in November during the league phase, tonight's semi-final will be a completely different beast. In the cauldron of the Metropolitano, every inch will be fought for as both teams eye the final in Budapest on May 30th.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - SEMI-FINALS

First leg

Tuesday

PSG - Bayern 5-4 (3-2)

/Kvaratskhelia 24, 56, Neves 33, Dembele 45+5 pen, 58 - Kane 17 pen, Olise 41, Upamecano 65, Diaz 68/

Wednesday

22.00: (3.00) Atl.Madrid (3.25) Arsenal (2.60)

***odds are subject to change***