Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid: Champions League Player Ratings and Match Highlights

Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, scoring four goals in 13 minutes. The Gunners dominated Atletico in the first few minutes, and it appeared that the game would be one-sided. Diego Simeone was as excited on the touchline as he often is. Dressed in a black coat and tie, the Argentine asked Myles Lewis-Skelly be charged with fouling his kid. These gaps in play allowed the Spanish team to gradually build a foothold in the game.

As the first half progressed, the game got increasingly competitive, with Viktor Gyokeres and Atletico centre-back Jose Gimenez engaging in a physical confrontation. The latter went into the book to confront the Swede. The Gunners then had the ball in the net after Gabriel Martinelli diverted Bukayo Saka’s pass, but it was ruled out for offside.

In the second half, it was Atletico who threatened Arsenal’s goal. Julian Alvarez, a former Manchester City striker, was unfortunate to see his long-range shot touch the crossbar. In the end, Arsenal did draw first blood, with Gabriel leaping to head Declan Rice’s set piece. Seven minutes later, Arsenal increased their lead when Myles Lewis-Skelly passed to Martinelli, who finished beautifully. Within six minutes, it was four, with Gyokeres scoring twice as Atletico disintegrated.

There were no more goals, and Arsenal became the first team in Champions League history to win seven straight meetings against Spanish teams. They have beaten Sevilla twice, Real Madrid twice, Girona, Athletic Bilbao, and now Atletico Madrid in a remarkable run of success that began in 2023.

Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid Match Statistics

Arsenal

Statistic

Atlético Madrid

53%

Possession (%)

47%

17

Shots

11

8

Shots on target.

1

3

Corners

4

1

Saves

4

1

Yellow cards.

2

Match Highlights

Arsenal Player Ratings

GK: David Raya, 6/10.
He was fortunate not to have been fined for being too careless with the ball beyond the penalty area.

RB: Jurrien Timber (7/10)
Together with Saka, he appeared to be formidable on the right flank.

CB: William Saliba (7/10)
Atletico maintained a strong physical presence, so you had to be up to the task.

CB: Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10)
The Madrid side pressed Arsenal hard in the first half, so he had to be strong in the air.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly (6.5/10)
Caught out a few times when Atletico broke swiftly, but largely the Arsenal back four were in terrific shape.

RM: Eberechi Eze – 6.5/10
Looked like a potential scorer in the first few minutes, but was unable to stamp his true quality on the game after that.

CM: Martin Zubimendi (6.5/10)
Booked in the first half, but still shown his ability with some excellent deliveries into the box.

LM: Declan Rice (7/10)
He was once again responsible for some excellent set piece deliveries.

RW: Bukayo Saka (7.5/10)
Saka was once again the Gunners’ main offensive danger.

CF: Viktor Gyokeres (7/10)
Had a real duel with Atletico centre-back Gimenez and scored twice.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli (6.5/10)
He was narrowly offside, preventing him from handing the Gunners the lead, but he made amends with a fantastic goal in the second half.

SUB: Cristhian Mosquera (6/10)
The defender had a relaxing outing as the Gunners led 4-0.

SUB: Christian Norgaard (6/10)
The Dane was given just under 18 minutes, and Arsenal was home and hosed.

SUB: Ethan Nwaneri (6/10)
Some critical minutes were given to the youngster.

SUB: Ben White (5/10)
When the defence entered the game, it had already ended.

SUB: Mikel Merino (5/10)
The Spaniard takes a stroll after coming on in the dying stages.

Atletico Madrid player ratings

GK: Jan Oblak (7/10)
Made a few nice saves as Arsenal attempted to have a strong start to the game.

RB: Marcos Llorente (6/10)
It appeared crisp in the first half, but it finished badly.

CB: Robin Le Normand (6.5/10)
Fully prepared to confront any Arsenal player who approaches the Atletico penalty area.

CB: Jose Gimenez (6.5/10)
I had a good time with Victor Gyokeres, and he wasn’t about to back down from the task.

LB: David Hancko (6/10)
I struggled early on against Saka before settling into the game.

RM: Giuliano Simeone (7/10)
After a rough start, he entered the game and became a threat moving forward.

CM: Pablo Barrios (6.5/10)
Along with Koke, he gradually worked his way into a highly contested match.

CM: Koke – 6.5/10
The Atletico stalwart attempted to steady the ship with his touch and presence.

LM: Nico Gonzalez, 6/10.
Initially appeared vulnerable to Arsenal’s right side, but

FD: Julian Alvarez – 7.5/10
Very accomplished touch and appeared to pose a serious threat to Arsenal.

FD: Alexander Sorloth (6.5/10)
He wasn’t as confident with his first touch at first, but as the game went on, he became a reliable outlet.

SUB: Alex Baena (5/10)
Arsenal were 2-0 up inside a minute of him entering the game as part of a treble replacement.

SUB: Conor Gallagher (5/10)
The Englishman was unable to make a significant impression as the Gunners went 3-0 up immediately after his introduction.

SUB: Matteo Ruggeri (5/10)
Not the cameo he had hoped for.

SUB: Antoine Griezmann (5/10)
When the Frenchman entered the game, it had already ended.

SUB: Thiago Almada (5/10)
Nothing but a run out for the Argentine.