Arsenal host Atlético Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal on Tuesday night, with the tie locked at 1–1. The Gunners ultimately left the Spanish capital content with their night‘s work and are the favorites to progress into their first Champions League final since they were beaten 2–1 by Barcelona in Paris 20 years ago. Arsène Wenger’s side overcame La Liga opposition in the form of Villarreal to reach the competition’s showpiece event in 2006, and supporters will be pleading for a repeat of history midweek. Arsenal have gradually improved their Champions League standing since they broke bread with Europe’s aristocracy again three years ago. They were quarterfinalists in 2023–24, then semifinalists last season. Bypassing Atléti would represent linear progression, and a scintillating opponent will await them in Budapest. Diego Simeone‘s Rojiblancos cannot be written off, though.…