Arsenal Football Club are on the verge of achieving a feat that has completely eluded them throughout their long and storied history. As Mikel Arteta’s men prepare for another crucial European night at the Emirates, the Gunners have the chance to do something they’ve never managed to do before — defeat Atlético Madrid in a competitive fixture.
A Week of Massive Opportunity for Arteta’s Arsenal
Arsenal’s form in the Premier League has been nothing short of impressive this season. The Gunners currently sit at the summit of the table after their comfortable 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, thanks to a well-taken goal from Leandro Trossard in the second half. That result not only reinforced Arsenal’s title credentials but also showed the growing maturity and control that has become a hallmark of Mikel Arteta’s side.
Now, the focus shifts to the Champions League, where Arsenal host Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night. Having already picked up two wins from their opening two games in the League Phase, Arteta’s side could take a major step toward qualification with another victory. But beyond the group standings, this game carries far deeper historical significance.
The History Between Arsenal and Atlético Madrid
Despite both being European powerhouses, Arsenal and Atlético Madrid have remarkably met only once in competitive European football back in the 2017/18 Europa League semi-final. That tie ended in heartbreak for Arsenal and their legendary former manager, Arsène Wenger.
It was an emotionally charged period, as Wenger had already announced his departure from the club after 22 years in charge. The Frenchman dreamed of bowing out by lifting a European trophy — the one prize that had always escaped him at Arsenal.
However, that dream was crushed by a typically resilient Atlético Madrid side.
First Leg (Emirates Stadium): Arsenal dominated for large spells and looked destined to take a lead into the second leg, but a late goal from Antoine Griezmann cancelled out Alexandre Lacazette’s opener, ending the game 1-1.
Second Leg (Metropolitano Stadium): In the return leg, Atlético were their usual disciplined selves. A solitary goal from Diego Costa was enough to seal a 1-0 win, giving the Spanish side a 2-1 aggregate victory and ending Wenger’s European hopes once and for all.
That semi-final remains the only official competitive encounter between the two clubs, and it left a painful scar in Arsenal’s European story.
Pre-Season Encounters That Changed Nothing
The only other time the Gunners crossed paths with Atlético came just a few months later, during the 2018 International Champions Cup in Singapore. Under new manager Unai Emery, Arsenal once again faced a tough test against Simeone’s men.
The match finished 1-1 in regulation time — Emile Smith Rowe, then a teenage academy prospect, scored a stunning equalizer that gave fans a glimpse of his potential. But the Gunners fell short once again in the ensuing penalty shootout, losing after misses from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Joe Willock, and Eddie Nketiah.
Even in a friendly setting, Atlético proved to be Arsenal’s nemesis a team the North London club just couldn’t find a way to beat.
Breaking the Hoodoo
Now, almost seven years later, Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to change that story. This Arsenal side is far different from the one that fell short in 2018. The Gunners are younger, faster, and more cohesive than ever. Players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Jesus have brought renewed energy, leadership, and quality to the Emirates.
Beating Atlético Madrid would not only be a small piece of history — it would also be a powerful statement about how far Arsenal have come under Arteta. Diego Simeone’s men remain one of Europe’s toughest opponents: compact, organized, and deadly on the counterattack. But Arsenal’s fluid attacking system and newfound resilience could finally be enough to tilt the balance.
A win on Tuesday night would mark the first-ever Arsenal victory over Atlético Madrid, ending a long-standing hoodoo and reinforcing the belief that this team is ready to compete and win on the biggest stages of European football.
A New Chapter in Arsenal’s European Journey
From Wenger’s heartbreak to Arteta’s revolution, Arsenal’s relationship with European competition has always been one of unfulfilled promise. But this week offers a chance to rewrite the narrative.
For the first time ever, Arsenal can conquer Atlético Madrid and in doing so, prove that this new era under Arteta isn’t just about playing beautiful football, but about making history where past generations fell short.
