Saka's Return and Griezmann's Farewell Loom Over Champions League Semi-Final Second Legs

Key facts

• Arsenal and Atlético Madrid are tied 1-1 on aggregate after a penalty each in the first leg.
• Bayern Munich trail Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 on aggregate after a nine-goal thriller in Paris.
• Bukayo Saka made his first start since March on Saturday, returning from injury for Arsenal.
• Antoine Griezmann will leave Atlético Madrid this summer to join Orlando City in MLS.
• PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been one of Europe's most entertaining players this season.
• Three penalties were awarded in the first leg between Atlético and Arsenal, with one controversially overturned by VAR.
• Arsenal beat Atlético Madrid 4-0 at home during the league phase of the Champions League.

Two Ties Poised for Decisive Second Legs

The UEFA Champions League semi-final second legs this week will determine which two teams advance to the final in Budapest, Hungary, on May 31. After a pair of gripping first legs, both ties remain wide open, with Arsenal hosting Atlético Madrid on Tuesday and Bayern Munich welcoming Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. The first legs offered contrasting narratives. In Paris, Bayern and PSG combined for nine goals in a match already being hailed as one of the greatest in Champions League history. In Madrid, a more tactical affair nonetheless produced three penalties and a 1-1 draw, leaving everything to play for at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal vs. Atlético: Saka Returns as Gunners Seek First Final in 20 Years

Arsenal have not reached a Champions League final since 2006, and they have never won the competition. Mikel Arteta's side have struggled to seize critical moments in 2026, but the return of Bukayo Saka provides a major boost. Saka made his first start since March on Saturday, ending a weeks-long injury absence, and is expected to be a key figure in Tuesday's match. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, are aiming for their third final since 2014, having lost both previous appearances to Real Madrid. The Spanish side will be without Achraf Hakimi and Chevalier due to thigh injuries, but Julian Alvarez is available after scoring the equalizer from the penalty spot in the first leg. Antoine Griezmann, playing his final season for Atlético before a move to MLS, will be highly motivated to deliver a memorable farewell.

Bayern vs. PSG: Nine-Goal Thriller Sets Stage for Munich Showdown

The first leg at the Parc des Princes produced a 5-4 victory for PSG, a scoreline that belies the fragility of their lead. Both teams are expected to attack relentlessly, knowing a single goal could swing the tie. Bayern's Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz have been in outstanding form, while PSG's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has dazzled all season. Bayern will be without Gnabry due to an adductor injury, but their attacking depth remains formidable. PSG's injury list includes Chevalier and Hakimi, both sidelined with thigh problems. The match promises to be another high-octane affair, with the winner earning a trip to Budapest.

Key Players to Watch: Saka, Kane, and Griezmann Under Spotlight

Several players are tipped to decide the ties. Bukayo Saka is seen as Arsenal's most likely match-winner, capable of both creating and finishing chances. Declan Rice's ability to drop deep and split Atlético's press was crucial in the first leg, and his set-piece delivery could be decisive. For Atlético, Antoine Griezmann's experience and motivation make him a danger, while Julian Alvarez's energy in attack will be vital. In Munich, Harry Kane is enjoying a career-best season and could propel himself into the Ballon d'Or race with a strong finish. Luis Diaz's outside-to-in runs troubled PSG in the first leg, and Michael Olise's goal in Paris highlighted his quality. For PSG, Kvaratskhelia remains the primary creative threat.

Refereeing Controversy Adds Subplot to Arsenal-Atlético Tie

The first leg between Arsenal and Atlético was marked by refereeing controversy. Three penalties were awarded, with one overturned by VAR after on-field official Danny Makkelie originally pointed to the spot. Mikel Arteta expressed frustration over the decision not to award a penalty for Dávid Hancko's foul on Eberechi Eze, which was eventually not given. Atlético's energy dipped when Julian Alvarez left the field due to injury in the first leg, but he is expected to start on Tuesday. The tie remains finely balanced, with Arsenal's home form in the league phase — including a 4-0 thrashing of Atlético — offering hope for the Gunners.

What's at Stake: A Final in Budapest and a Place in History

The winners of these two ties will meet in the Champions League final on May 31 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. For Arsenal and Atlético, both without a European Cup in their history, the stakes are immense. Arsenal have not reached the final in 20 years, while Atlético have lost twice in the final since 2014. Bayern Munich are seeking their seventh European title, while PSG are chasing their first. The Parisian side have never won the competition despite significant investment. With all four teams capable of lifting the trophy, the semi-final second legs promise to be defining moments in each club's season.

The bottom line

• Arsenal and Atlético Madrid are tied 1-1 on aggregate, with Bukayo Saka's return giving Arsenal a boost.
• Bayern Munich trail PSG 5-4 after a nine-goal thriller; both teams are expected to attack in the second leg.
• Antoine Griezmann is playing his final season for Atlético before moving to MLS, adding emotional weight to the tie.
• Harry Kane, Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise are key for Bayern; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia leads PSG's attack.
• Refereeing decisions, including a controversial VAR overturn, have added tension to the Arsenal-Atlético matchup.
• The winners will face off in Budapest on May 31 for the Champions League title.