Arsenal Host Atletico Madrid in Historic Champions League Semi-First Leg
Mikel Arteta's side aim to reach first Champions League final since 2006 as they face defensive masters Atletico
History is made! Or rather, it will be at 8pm BST tonight, when Mikel Arteta's oft-maligned Arsenal play back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time in the club's history. It'll count for little if they don't win either the Premier League or Champions League this season, but it's an undeniable marker of their progression from the 15th-best team in England to one Europe's finest. For the second year in a row, Arsenal's semi-final involves arguably the two best teams never to win the European Cup or Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain's glorious triumph last season left a vacancy for Atletico, though they would argue they were already in the top two. After all, no side has played in more Champions League finals without winning the thing. On all three occasions, in 1974, 2014 and 2016, Atleti came agonisingly close. Either they or Arsenal, who lost their only final to Barcelona 20 years ago, will get another crack in Budapest on 30 May. It should be a fascinating struggle between two teams best known for their defensive excellence. We'll have none of that nine-goal nonsense tonight. Kick off 8pm BST.
