“Odegaard and Havertz available for Arsenal’s decisive challenge.”

Arsenal is gearing up for an explosive clash in the Champions League with two stars back in action, and manager Mikel Arteta is promising a historic performance at the Emirates Stadium against Atlético Madrid. Despite missing the open training session ahead of the crucial second leg of the semi-finals, Gunners captain Martin Odegaard and forward Kai Havertz are confirmed in the squad and ready to take the field. The tie is finely poised, with a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Madrid, and Arsenal aims to seize the moment to take a giant step towards the final.

In the first encounter, the goals came only from penalties, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring for Arsenal and Julián Álvarez equalizing for Atlético. When asked about the physical condition of his players, Arteta assured: “They are available, both in the squad. It’s great because we need options and the ability to play in the team.” The Spanish manager expressed confidence and determination to surprise: “I can’t wait. I feel the energy inside and around the team. Together, we have done a lot of work as a club and a team. The players have waited a long time for this night. Something incredible can happen.”

With the Premier League ahead of them and only three games remaining, Arsenal is under pressure and highly motivated to win the Champions League, after falling in the semi-finals last season to Paris Saint-Germain, who went on to become champions. Arteta’s promise sounds like a direct challenge: it is time for the Gunners to shine and prove their worth in Europe.

On the side of Atlético Madrid, coach Diego Simeone did not lose his sense of humor when justifying a hotel change ahead of the decisive match in London. Following a heavy 4-0 defeat in the group stage against Arsenal, the Argentine manager downplayed rumors of superstition and explained that the switch was merely for economic reasons: “We are better now than we were in October. And the hotel was cheaper. That’s why we changed,” Simeone said, laughing.

Regarding injuries, Julián Álvarez, who has an impressive tally of 20 goals and nine assists in 48 matches this season, has been included in Atlético’s squad despite being substituted at the end of the first match due to physical concerns. The Argentine forward, a world champion, is well aware of the demands of the Premier League, having played for Manchester City, and Simeone emphasized his importance: “Julián is important in this type of game. He knows the league well. Last week’s game was very good. I hope he responds tomorrow in the way the game requires.”

Everything is set for a Champions League night that promises strong emotions, with two teams that do not want to miss the opportunity to reach the final of the most prestigious competition in European football. Arsenal and Atlético Madrid are playing not only for a place in the final but for glory and history. Who will come out on top? The answer arrives this Tuesday at the Emirates – get ready for a breathtaking clash!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.