Match Overview

The UEFA 2025/26 Group Stage Matchday 3 fixture between Arsenal (England) and Atletico Madrid (Spain) is set to take place on October 21st at the Emirates Stadium in London. This preview offers a comprehensive look at the Arsenal – Atletico Madrid match, including our prediction, betting odds, and key statistics.

Arsenal’s Current Form

The Gunners have made a confident start to the group stage, positioning themselves among the top six clubs with a maximum of six points after two rounds. Due to a slightly inferior goal difference, the London side currently sits in 5th place. Mikel Arteta’s squad successively defeated Athletic Club and Olympiacos with identical 2-0 scores. Notably, Arsenal is the only team besides Inter Milan to have conceded zero goals in the competition so far. An interesting fact to consider: a victory in this match would mark their 100th win in the proper.

Key Arsenal Statistics

• The English club has won their last 6 encounters in this tournament against Spanish opponents.
• Arsenal has been victorious in their last 14 home matches during the European competition’s group stage. 
• The “Gunners” have kept clean sheets in their last 8 home group stage games.

Arsenal’s Predicted Lineup (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.

Arsenal Injury Update

Forwards Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus, along with midfielder Martin Odegaard, are currently sidelined due to injuries. 

Atletico Madrid’s Performance

The Spanish side is set to play their second consecutive away match in the group stage against a top English club. In Matchday 1, the team suffered a frustrating 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, conceding the decisive goal in the 92nd minute. However, the Madrid club fully redeemed themselves in their next European fixture, securing a dominant 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at home. This marked their 7th win in the last 9 matches (with 2 losses). Currently, with 3 points, the team occupies 10th place in the standings. 

Atletico Madrid Key Stats

• The Madrid team has failed to win in 9 consecutive group stage matches against English opponents (4 draws and 5 losses).
• Atletico has scored in 17 out of their last 18 group stage encounters.
• Three or more goals have been scored in 14 of the Spanish team’s last 15 matches in this European competition. 

Atletico Madrid’s Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Jan Oblak – Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, David Hancko – Pablo Barrios, Koke, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone – Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.

The Referee: Davide Massa

Davide Massa (Italy)

Referee Statistics

Matches officiated – 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 awarded – 25%.

Match Prediction: Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid

Clashes between English and Spanish teams always generate significant excitement. These fixtures between representatives of these two footballing nations often turn out to be spectacular and unpredictable. I believe that this match will also deliver high scoring action. Both teams are in good form and are averaging around 2 goals per game in their respective national leagues.

The “Gunners” rarely drop points at home, even in the . They are particularly strong in attack, having scored at least two goals in 10 of their last 13 home matches in this European competition. The Spanish side, however, is quite inconsistent away from home; while they often lose, they are also capable of beating top opponents. Atletico Madrid frequently finds the back of the net themselves, but they also allow their opponents to score. For instance, three or more goals have been scored in all of their last 7 away matches in this club competition, with 4 or more goals occurring in 5 of those instances. 

Our Betting Tip

My prediction is – “Total Over 2.5 Goals” with odds of 1.85