The Matchday 3 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Arsenal (England) and Atletico Madrid (Spain) will take place on October 21 at the Emirates Stadium in London. Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Arsenal
The Gunners have started the group stage confidently, ranking among the top six clubs with maximum points after two rounds. Due to a slightly inferior goal difference, the Londoners are in 5th place. Mikel Arteta's side has consecutively defeated Athletic and Olympiacos with identical 2-0 scorelines. Interestingly, apart from Arsenal, only Inter can boast a clean sheet in the goals conceded column. Notably, if the team wins, it will be their 100th victory in the main draw of the Champions League.
- The English side has won their last 6 matches in this tournament against Spanish opponents.
- Arsenal has won their previous 14 home matches in the group stage of European competitions.
- The Gunners have not conceded in the group stage of the Champions League in their last 8 home games.
Predicted lineup for Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya – Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori – Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze – Leandro Trossard, Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka.
Forwards Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus, along with midfielder Martin Odegaard, are injured.
Atletico Madrid
The Spaniards will play their second consecutive away match in the group stage against England's top clubs. In the first round, the team suffered a disappointing defeat to Liverpool, conceding the decisive goal in the 92nd minute (2-3). However, in the next European match, the Madrid side fully redeemed themselves by thrashing Eintracht 5-1 at their home ground. This was their 7th win in the last 9 Champions League matches (with 2 losses). Currently, the team is in 10th place with 3 points.
- The Madrid side has not won in 9 consecutive group stage matches in the Champions League against English opponents (4 draws and 5 losses).
- Atletico has scored in 17 of their last 18 group stage matches in this tournament.
- Three or more goals have been scored in 14 of the last 15 matches involving the Spaniards in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)
Jan Oblak – Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, David Ganzko – Pablo Barrios, Koke, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone – Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Midfielder Johnny Cardoso is the only player in the club's injury list.
Referee
Davide Massa (Italy)
Matches – 16 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 45;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.8;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 19;
Penalties – 25%.
Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid: Match Prediction
Encounters between English and Spanish teams always draw significant attention. These matches are often thrilling and unpredictable. I believe this time, both clubs will deliver in terms of scoring. Both teams are in good form and average around 2 goals per match in their domestic tournaments.
The Gunners rarely drop points at home, even in the Champions League. They are particularly strong in attack and have scored at least two goals in 10 of their last 13 home matches in this European competition. Meanwhile, the Spaniards are quite inconsistent on the road, often losing but capable of defeating top opponents. However, Atletico frequently scores and allows others to do so. In fact, at least 3 goals have been scored in all of their last 7 away matches, with 4 or more goals in 5 of those games.
My prediction: Total over 2.5 goals