Alessandro Del Piero explains why Arsenal have an advantage in the second-leg vs Atletico Madrid

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Arsenal are just one game away from reaching the Champions League final.

The Gunners drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Wednesday evening, and now they have just one game standing between them and a second Champions League final in their history.

Mikel Arteta’s side may only be 90 minutes away from history, but that still feels a long, long way away.

However, speaking to CBS, Alessandro Del Piero believes Arsenal have a clear advantage heading into their second leg against Atletico Madrid, and his reasoning highlights two areas that could prove decisive.

First leg ends 1-1. Tell us what will happen in Arsenal’s second leg vs Atletico Madrid

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Alessandro Del Piero believes Arsenal hold advantage over Atletico Madrid

Alessandro Del Piero knows a thing or two about winning the Champions League.

According to the Italian, Arsenal hold the advantage in this tie for two reasons – because they’re playing at home next and because they have more depth.

“No, I think Arsenal will have an advantage because they play at home and because they have a better bench than Atletico.” Del Piero said.

That is where the balance of the tie could really shift.

Squad depth often decides knockout games, particularly when matches are tight and require changes late on. Arsenal have more options to influence the game from the bench, whether that is adding attacking quality, fresh legs in midfield, or defensive stability.

Atletico, by contrast, are dealing with problems.

“Atletico, what is missing today because of injuries, you know, they have two between yesterday and today, two new injuries. Let’s see how about what’s going on tonight. So they don’t have a replacement at that level,” Del Piero added.

Injuries have reduced Diego Simeone’s ability to rotate or adjust during the match. If key players tire or struggle, the replacements may not offer the same level of quality. Over the course of a high-intensity game, that gap can become more obvious.

Julian Alvarez is an injury doubt, and Arsenal know just how dangerous the Argentine can be.

Alvarez is an Arsenal transfer target, but, for now, he is a rival, and as unfortunate as any injury is, the fact that he may not be 100% for the second leg could help Arsenal get to the final.