Antoine Griezmann states that Atletico Madrid are ready to chase history in the Champions League, as Arsenal await in the semi-final second leg at Emirates Stadium. The tie stands 1-1 after the first meeting, and Griezmann wants to lift the trophy before leaving for MLS side Orlando City SC.

Griezmann has already agreed a move to Orlando City SC at the end of the season, yet reports earlier in the year suggested a March exit was possible. The forward explains that such a switch was never in the plans, as staying with Atletico for this Champions League run remained the priority.

Asked about delaying the Orlando move, Griezmann underlined the thinking behind the decision. “I was always clear: my goal was to stay here, because we could do something incredible,” Griezmann said when asked whether he was relieved he had chosennot to sign for Orlando earlier. “I had no doubts. I felt we could do something historic, with another final, and the team knows it.”

The 2016 Champions League campaign still shapes how Griezmann views this season. Atletico Madrid lost that final to Real Madrid on penalties, 5-3, after a 1-1 draw following extra time. Griezmann missed a penalty during normal time, then converted in the shootout, and those moments continue to influence the current approach.

Griezmann reflected on that experience and how personal growth changed the mindset. That year was very different, Griezmann said of the final 10 years ago. I was under a lot of stress. Everything was going so fast, and I didn’t know how to slow down. Now I’m more well-rounded and calmer. I approach the matches more relaxed and with a lot more joy. These are moments you think will come back, but they don’t. Not everyone gets to play in a Champions League semi-final … We can make history.

Atletico Madrid aim to reach a third Champions League final under Diego Simeone, after appearances in 2014 and 2016. Across the competition’s history, only Alex Ferguson with Manchester United and Marcello Lippi with Juventus have made more finals with one club, recording four each, which underlines the scale of Simeone’s impact.

Recent figures against English opponents present a challenge for Atletico Madrid before facing Arsenal again. Atletico have lost six of their last seven away matches against clubs from England in the Champions League, winning just once. That sequence includes four straight defeats, which places extra focus on the performance required at Emirates Stadium.

The 0-4 loss at Emirates Stadium in October 2025 remains a painful memory for Atletico Madrid. That defeat equals their joint-heaviest margin in Champions League play, matching five other losses by four goals. Arsenal are also unbeaten in two games against Atletico this season, with one draw and one win across all competitions.

Historical and current numbers add context to the tie’s difficulty for Atletico Madrid.

Hang on. Its time. This is the way. pic.twitter.com/jCGlglwEXtAtltico de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 4, 2026

As Atletico Madrid prepare for Arsenal and another intense Champions League semi-final night, Griezmann’s words underline a clear target. The forward seeks a final appearance and a possible title as a farewell act, while Simeone’s squad attempt to overturn past away struggles in England and secure a place in European football’s showpiece match.