Joe Cole backs Arsenal to beat Atletico Madrid in Champions League semi-final
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole told TNT Sports that Arsenal fans should be 'very, very confident' about beating Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final and reaching the final. Cole, speaking on April 16, 2026, noted that while Arsenal have won only one of their last five matches across all competitions, the team possesses significant strength in multiple areas and that Atletico's main edge is experience. He warned that the tie will be chaotic and that Arsenal must not play as gentlemen, as Atletico is likely to use dark tactics.
Arsenal secured their semi-final place with a 1-0 away win over Sporting CP in Lisbon, Kai Havertz scoring the injury-time goal. Atletico Madrid eliminated Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate to set up the clash. In the other semi-final, defending champions PSG will face Bayern Munich after overcoming Liverpool and Real Madrid respectively.
For Nigerian football followers, the assessment gives a gauge of Arsenal's chances despite recent inconsistency, highlighting where the Gunners may need to improve—especially in handling physical, tactical battles—while also pointing to the optimism that a deep run remains possible.
Will you back Arsenal to overcome the experience of Atletico and advance to the final, or do you think the Spanish side's craft will prevail?