Arteta says Arsenal can create 'something magical' as Odegaard and Havertz return for Atletico showdown

The tie heads to the Emirates level at 1-1 after both goals in Madrid came from the penalty spot, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring for Arsenal and Julian Alvarez replying for Atletico. 

That leaves everything still open. For Arsenal, the biggest boost ahead of the decisive night is the return of two key attacking figures. Although captain Odegaard and forward Havertz were absent from Monday's public training session, Arteta quickly reassured reporters that both men are fit enough to be involved. 

"They are both in the squad. That is great, because we need many options and possibilities in the team," he said. 

That is exactly what Arsenal want at this point of the season. With three Premier League games left and the title race still alive, Arteta is trying to balance ambition on two fronts at once. But the emotional weight of this occasion is obvious. Arsenal were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals last season by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, and the sense around the club is that this group has another chance to go one step further. 

Arteta certainly feels the moment. 

"I am very excited. I feel the energy in and around the team," he said. 

That excitement seems to come not only from the occasion itself but from everything Arsenal has built toward over recent months. 

"Together, we have worked so hard as a club and a team. They have been waiting a long time for a night like this. Something magical can absolutely happen." 

It is the kind of line supporters will cling to. Arsenal have already shown this season that they can defend at a high level in Europe, and now the challenge is to find the attacking edge that can break open a tie against one of the continent's most stubborn opponents. The possible return of Odegaard's control and Havertz's movement could be central to that. 

Atletico, meanwhile, arrive with their own sense of purpose. Diego Simeone revealed that his side changed hotels ahead of the trip to London after staying elsewhere for their 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in the group stage, joking that the decision was about money rather than superstition despite reports in Spain suggesting otherwise. 

"We are better now than we were in October. And the hotel is cheaper. That is why we changed," Simeone said with a smile. 

Beneath the joke, though, was a clear message. Atletico believe they are coming into this game in a stronger state than they were earlier in the season, and they also appear to have a major boost of their own. Alvarez has been included in the squad after being forced off late in the first leg and briefly becoming an injury doubt. 

That is significant. The Argentina forward has produced 20 goals and 9 assists in 48 matches in all competitions this season, and Simeone made it clear how important he expects him to be again. 

"Julian is very important in matches like this," he said. "He understands the competition very well. Last week he played very well. I hope tomorrow he can respond in the way the match demands." 

That sums up the broader feeling around this semi-final. Arsenal are hoping their key names return at the perfect time. Atletico are trusting one of their biggest players to deliver again. The first leg proved how fine the margins can be. The second now feels set up for a night where one decisive moment, or one decisive star, could define everything. And Arteta clearly believes.