Saka confident Arsenal can finish the job against Atletico Madrid in London

Bukayo Saka has insisted that Arsenal are fully prepared to complete their Champions League semi-final task when they host Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium next week, following a tightly contested first-leg draw in Spain.

The opening encounter ended 1-1, with both sides finding the net from the penalty spot in a match that offered little to separate the two teams over 90 minutes.

Arsenal left the Spanish capital with a balanced result, but one that could have been more decisive had they converted key moments in attack.

Reflecting on the outcome, Saka admitted there was a sense of frustration within the squad but maintained that the tie remains firmly in their control heading into the return leg in London.

“We have mixed feelings, we’d like maybe to have come away with a win, but we’ll take the draw,” Saka said. “It’s half-time, and we’re confident going back to Emirates Stadium. We’re really excited and we’re going into that one with full confidence.”

The England international acknowledged Arsenal’s ambition and internal standards, stressing that the squad is not content with anything less than victory, even in a difficult away fixture at the semi-final stage of Europe’s elite competition.

“A draw isn’t bad, but I would say we’re never really satisfied if we don’t win, with the talent in the group,” he added. “We want to win and we’ll try and do that next week.”

Arsenal’s form at home has been a major factor in their European run, and Saka believes the atmosphere at the Emirates could play a decisive role in pushing the team over the line.

He expressed confidence that the intensity and support in North London will surpass what the team experienced in Madrid.

“We’re looking forward to Emirates Stadium next week,” he said. “I’m sure it’s going to be above and beyond what we saw tonight, and that will definitely give us the boost.”