Arsenal 4–0 Atlético Madrid: Gunners Run Riot to Maintain Perfect Champions League Start

Arsenal extended their flawless start to the UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 4–0 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a devastating second-half display.

A quick-fire brace from Viktor Gyökeres, along with goals from Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, sealed a third consecutive win for Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to impress in Europe’s top competition.

Arsenal Dominate Despite Goalless First Half

The Gunners started brightly and could have taken the lead within minutes. Eberechi Eze struck the post with a curling effort from the edge of the area, before Declan Rice narrowly fired the rebound wide.

Despite a lively first half, the breakthrough eluded the hosts. Arsenal dictated possession and repeatedly threatened Jan Oblak’s goal, while Atlético — unusually cautious under Diego Simeone — focused more on damage limitation than attacking ambition.

David Raya provided a scare midway through the half when he misjudged a clearance outside his area, allowing Julián Álvarez a chance to shoot at an open goal. Fortunately for the Spaniard, Álvarez’s attempt drifted wide.

Arsenal continued to pile on the pressure, and Bukayo Saka almost provided the breakthrough with a clever lofted pass into the box for Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian converted from close range, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside, leaving the home fans frustrated.

Second-Half Surge Breaks Atlético Resistance

Atlético began the second half with renewed energy, with Álvarez rattling the crossbar shortly after the restart following neat interplay with Dávid Hancko.

But Arsenal soon seized control. The deadlock was broken in the 56th minute when Marcos Llorente fouled Martinelli, gifting Arsenal a free-kick. Rice whipped in an inch-perfect delivery that Gabriel Magalhães nodded calmly beyond Oblak to put the hosts ahead.

The opener lifted Arsenal’s intensity, and they doubled their lead minutes later. Myles Lewis-Skelly surged through midfield before feeding Martinelli, who slotted home clinically — his third goal in as many Champions League matches.

Gyökeres then took centre stage, ending his nine-game goal drought in emphatic fashion. The Swedish forward struck twice in four minutes, first finishing a sweeping move from close range before powering in another after a superb counter-attack.

His brace not only wrapped up the points but also silenced recent criticism surrounding his form, with Arteta visibly delighted on the touchline.

Atlético Left Shell-Shocked

By the final whistle, Atlético were left chasing shadows, their usually disciplined defence torn apart by Arsenal’s relentless pace and precision. Simeone’s men spent the closing stages merely containing further damage as Arsenal pressed for a fifth.

The result underlined the growing maturity of Arteta’s side, who have now scored nine goals in three group games without conceding. They will next turn their attention to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, while Atlético will return to Spain nursing both bruised pride and growing concerns about their European campaign.

Line-ups

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Atlético Madrid (5-4-1): Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, González; Álvarez; Sørloth.

• Arsenal have now won all three of their Champions League fixtures this season.

• Viktor Gyökeres ended a nine-match goal drought with a decisive brace.

• Martinelli continued his fine European form with his third goal of the campaign.

• Atlético remain winless and will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.