MADRID, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid travels to London on Monday to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium with the aim of reaching its third Champions League final of the century after disappointments in 2014 and 2016.
Last week's 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano Stadium left the tie finely balanced after a tight game was decided by a penalty for each team and another awarded to Arsenal before being overturned by VAR.
Diego Simeone's side now has the task of improving on its group-stage showing in the competition, when Arsenal beat Atletico 4-0 in October with four goals in a 14-minute spell in the second half.
Arsenal comes into the game after a vital 3-0 home win over Fulham on Saturday that extended its lead at the top of the Premier League, with coach Mikel Arteta making only limited rotations, while Simeone rested all 11 players who started in midweek as his side won 2-0 away to Valencia.
Antoine Griezmann and Koke both made brief substitute appearances, but nobody else who played at Mestalla is likely to start on Tuesday night.
Simeone has three major injury concerns, with his son Giuliano struggling after a hip knock that saw him substituted at halftime a week ago, while Julian Alvarez is doubtful after twisting his ankle in the same game and powerful striker Alexander Sorloth has a muscle strain.
The hope is that all three will at least be available on the bench on Tuesday night, with Alex Baena likely to start if Giuliano does not recover, while Ademola Lookman is certain to start on the left wing.
Midfielder Pablo Barrios and winger Nico Gonzalez will also miss out with injuries suffered before the first leg. ■
