Diego Simeone spoke this Monday before the second leg against Arsenal and generated expectations about the possible participation of Julián Álvarez, who was substituted in the first leg after a blow to his left ankle, when Eberechi Eze fell on his leg.
The Argentine did not play in Atlético’s last match against Valencia, as he was preserved for the decisive duel at the Emirates Stadium. “We know what Julián is in these types of important games, he knows the English league very well. Last week he had a very good game and I hope that tomorrow he can respond in the way that the game demands,” Simeone expressed.
The good news for Atlético is that not only Álvarez could be available. Simeone also confirmed the return of Alexander Sørloth and José María Giménez, absent in the first leg due to injury. The coach explained that both trained with the group and that the decision on ownership will be made on the same day of the game. “Yesterday each of them moved a little, they are better. Let’s hope they can train well. Tomorrow morning we will decide who we start with. Sørloth has a very important role, we need it whether it is 60, 20 or 10 minutes”, he pointed out.
The second leg will be played this Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium in London, with the aggregate 1-1 after goals from Viktor Gyökeres, from a penalty, and Julián Álvarez, also from the spot.
Arsenal’s strength at home
Arsenal enter the second leg as favorites due to their historic performance at the Emirates Stadium this season, with 22 wins in 28 home games and just two defeats. The Gunners also have the backing of being the only unbeaten team in the Champions League this cycle and having won their last seven games in the competition against Spanish teams, including the 4-0 victory over Atlético themselves in the group stage.
However, Simeone and his players do not arrive at the Emirates intimidated. Atlético has a positive record in European qualifiers against English teams with 11 victories in 15 two-legged series, and they know that with Álvarez, Sørloth and Giménez back they have the necessary arguments to surprise in London and qualify for their first Champions League final since 2016.
The match will be played this Tuesday, May 5 at 1:00 PM Guatemala time at the Emirates Stadium in London and can be followed through Disney Plus Premium Plan and ESPN.