Madrid, April 29.- After the perfect storm, in the best sense, of PSG and Bayern Munich, the other two candidates appear today in Champions League semi-finals with high expectations.
Atlético Madrid-Arsenal will be a tie to test another type of football, without a doubt more conservative, speculative, and also with the virtuosity of numerous players on both squads.
However, last night's match in Paris left all lovers of mass sport impacted. The 5-4 scoreboard was a faithful reflection of the offensive approach of Paris Saint Germain, the winner, and Bayern Munich.
A duel without theatrical complaints, barely any refereeing complaints, absolute commitment and thrilling pace, as various Spanish experts highlighted in recent hours.
In any case, the rival of those two giants will emerge from tonight's opponents at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, and next week in the return match at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Tonight's match seems very even, with slight favoritism for Atleti and the presence of almost all their stellar players, led by Argentine striker Julián Álvarez, one of the offensive pillars of the colchoneros.
Nigerian Ademola Lookman joins in the attack, and Slovak central defender David Hancko. Then, other figures like Frenchman Antoine Griezmann and Argentine Giuliano Simeone are in form.
The Champions semi-finals constitute Atleti's last hope to rescue a season in which they disconnected very early from the Spanish Super Cup, fell in the semi-finals and in the Copa del Rey final.
The Arsenal "gunners", while they are still leaders of the Premier League, with three points over Manchester City, no longer depend on themselves. Guardiola's team have one less match and the perspective of overtaking them by goal difference if they end up tied on points at the final matchday.
However, the Spanish coach of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, is very recognized by English fans and also seeks to reconnect the team after several poor performances.
Expectations also pass through the issue of injuries. Calafiori and Timber are certain absences, Eze in doubt and German Havertz absent.
Even so, they have a very quality squad, with the return of Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Ødegaard, Rice and Madueke, among others.
Neither of the two teams is characterized by a wide goal-scoring production, although in this regard there is a slight advantage for Atleti, who in stellar matches managed to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid by a wide margin in the local tournament and the Copa del Rey.
No one expects last night's party at the Parc des Princes in Paris to be repeated, but the colchoneros have faith in returning to a Champions final after nine years.
