The Matchday 3 fixture of 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 made a confident start in the group stage, ranking among the top six clubs with maximum points after two matches. Due to a slightly worse goal difference, the Londoners are in 5th place. Mikel Arteta's side secured consecutive 2-0 victories against Athletic and Olympiacos. Notably, besides Arsenal, only Inter has yet to concede a goal. An interesting fact: if the team wins, it will be their 100th victory in the main draw of the Champions League.
- The English team has won their last 6 matches in this tournament against Spanish opponents.
- Arsenal has won their last 14 home matches in the group stage of European competitions.
- The Gunners have not conceded in their last 8 home games in the Champions League group stage.
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, as well as midfielder Martin Odegaard, are injured.
Atletico Madrid
The Spaniards will play their second consecutive away match in the group stage against top English 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, Atletico fully redeemed themselves by thrashing Eintracht 5-1 at home. 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.
- Atletico has not won in their last 9 group stage games 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 Atletico's last 15 games in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)
Jan Oblak – Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, David Gantzko – Pablo Barrios, Koke, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone – Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
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%.
Match Prediction: Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid
Clashes between English and Spanish teams always generate excitement. These matches are often spectacular and unpredictable. I believe both clubs will deliver a high-scoring game. Both teams are in good form and score around 2 goals per match in their domestic competitions.
The Gunners rarely drop points at home, even in the Champions League. They are particularly strong in attack, scoring at least two goals in 10 of their last 13 home matches in this tournament. Meanwhile, the Spaniards are inconsistent away from home, often losing, but capable of defeating top opponents. Atletico frequently scores and concedes, with at least 3 goals scored in all 7 of their recent away matches, including 5 instances with 4 or more goals.
My prediction: Total over 2.5 goals
