LONDON (AP) — Arsenal waited 20 years to reach the Champions League final again and 22 years to win the Premier League title again.
Both players now have a chance to play in the second leg of the semi-final at home to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.
The first leg, held in Madrid last week, ended 1-1 with a penalty shootout between the two teams aiming to win their first European Cup. Arsenal will be hoping home field advantage at the Emirates Stadium will make a difference to their return.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “It’s great to be in this position again after 20 years.” “We’re very hungry to win the game we want (Tuesday) and get to the finals.”
Arsenal beat Atletico 4-0 at home in the league in October, but Diego Simeone’s side expect their defense to be even more solid when they return to London.
“I will tell the team to play like they did in the second half (in Madrid),” Simeone said. “If it’s that easy, that’s great. We have a lot of confidence in what we’re doing.”
Both teams have been boosted by forward Julian Alvarez’s return from injury as he is expected to play for Atletico, with Arteta saying both captain Martin Odegaard and forward Kai Havertz are available.
Atletico reached the final twice under Simeone, in 2014 and 2016, but lost to city rivals Real Madrid both times.
Arsenal lost their only final to Barcelona in 2006. This time, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich will be waiting for the winner. The two will play the second leg on Wednesday after the match. A thrilling 5-4 victory PSG first leg.
Arsenal’s quest for a first Premier League title was also boosted by Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Everton on Monday, meaning the Gunners need to win their remaining three games to lift the trophy.
Atlético remain in fourth place in La Liga, 25 points behind leaders Barcelona.
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