Arsenal’s clash against Atletico Madrid has been hit by a weather warning as severe storms batter the Spanish capital.
Spain’s national meteorological agency Aemet has issued warnings of “significant danger” across Madrid, prompting advice for travelling supporters to remain vigilant and keep track of local developments.
The alert covers a window from midday until 10pm local time, extending beyond the match’s anticipated conclusion.
Mikel Arteta insisted his side are prepared to confront whatever challenges await them in what promises to be a testing evening in the Spanish capital.
Arsenal play Atletico Madrid tonight in the Champions League
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Forecasters predict the storms will dump 30mm of rain within just an hour, accompanied by powerful wind gusts and occasional hail.
The conditions threaten to compound existing concerns about the Metropolitano’s playing surface, which has drawn criticism in recent European fixtures.
Tottenham experienced difficulties on the slippery turf during their 5-2 first-leg thrashing by Diego Simeone’s side in the last sixteen encounter last month.
Barcelona also lodged complaints with Uefa regarding the grass length ahead of their quarter-final second leg defeat earlier this month.
Arteta expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to cope with whatever is in front of them
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Speaking ahead of the fixture, Arteta expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to cope with whatever circumstances they encounter.
The Spaniard said: “We adapt to any context. And for the last nine months, imagine the amount of games we have played, given that we have played in different scenarios, different contexts, with different opponents.
“So we adapt to the conditions tomorrow in the best possible way to be ourselves and win the game.”
Martin Odegaard, who used to play his football in the Spanish capital with Real Madrid, called on Arsenal to provide “something special” to beat Atletico away from home.
Martin Odegaard called on Arsenal to provide ‘something special’
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He said: “Tomorrow is another great opportunity for us to do something special, and we know what’s there, and we just have to enjoy it and be ready for it.
“As you said, take all the lessons you know from the past and bring it into this end of the season and I’m sure we’re going to do that. Looking forward to it.
“How can you not enjoy it?
“I think we’re playing in probably the toughest and most competitive league in the world and we’re at the top, fighting for the title, winning and playing in the semi-final in the Champions League.”
Odegaard said: ‘I think we’re playing in probably the toughest and most competitive league in the world’
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The Norwegian continued: “I mean, for me it’s hard to understand how you cannot enjoy that.
“That’s what we’ve been dreaming about our whole life, you know, since I was a kid.
“It’s the best part of the season, and everyone is ready for it. The energy in the group is amazing, and we’re ready for it.”
