Argentina forward, Julián Álvarez, has issued a bold message to Arsenal ahead of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash with the Premier League leaders, insisting that Diego Simeone’s men have what it takes to defeat any opponent.
Atletico will square off against Arsenal for the first time in the Champions League when both sides meet today (Tuesday) at the Emirates Stadium for their Matchday 3 encounter.
The last time the two teams met was in the 2018 Europa League semi-finals, where Atletico advanced with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Arsenal enter the tie in fine form after back-to-back 2–0 wins over Athletic Bilbao and Olympiacos, while Atletico bounced back from their opening 3–2 defeat to Liverpool with an emphatic 5–1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Arteta’s men, who have lost just once in all competitions this season, a narrow 1–0 defeat to Liverpool, currently sit atop the Premier League table, boasting one of the tightest defenses with only three goals conceded in the league.
Speaking ahead of the high-profile encounter, Álvarez, formerly of Manchester City, expressed confidence in Atletico’s ability to trouble the English side.
“We can take on and beat any team. We have a great squad. We didn’t get off to a great start, we had injuries, but the team improved and now we’re in great shape to compete.
“In England, teams have more transitions, faster wingers, but there are many similarities. Football is still football.
“Arsenal is a great team; they like to have possession and are strong from set pieces. But we, with our strengths, can hurt them.”
