Antoine Griezmann insists he is ready to "make history" with Atlético Madrid as Diego Simeone's side prepare for Tuesday evening's Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal at the Emirates — a tie that is perfectly poised after last week's 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano.

Unfinished business for a veteran campaigner

Griezmann, who turns 36 this summer, has been here before — and he knows how it can end. The Frenchman was part of Atlético's squad in 2016 when Real Madrid beat them on penalties in Milan, a night on which he missed a spot-kick in normal time before converting in the shootout that ultimately went against his side. That defeat, it seems, has never quite left him.

"That year was very different," Griezmann told reporters at a press conference in London on Monday. "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."

He added: "These are moments you think will come back, but they don't. Not everyone gets to play in a Champions League semifinal. We can make history."

A decision he has no regrets about

Griezmann will join Orlando City in MLS once the season concludes, but he came close to making the switch in March during the MLS transfer window. He held firm, and the noises out of his camp on Monday suggested he has zero regrets.

"I was always clear: my goal was to stay here, because we could do something incredible," he said when asked whether he was relieved he had stayed put. "I had no doubts. I felt we could do something historic, with another final, and the team knows it."

Despite winning the World Cup with France and a Europa League with Atlético, a Champions League winners' medal remains the one piece of silverware missing from his collection. At 35, the Emirates on Tuesday night may represent his last realistic shot at it.

Fitness concerns for Simeone ahead of the second leg

Atlético head to north London with several injury questions hanging over the squad. Manager Diego Simeone confirmed on Monday that he was not yet certain of the availability of Julián Álvarez — who scored in the first leg — along with Alexander Sørloth, who missed the Metropolitano fixture, and Giuliano Simeone, who went off injured during that game.

"Yesterday they worked a bit, and they're better," the coach said. "We hope they can play. Tomorrow in the morning we'll decide who starts."

Simeone was measured but optimistic about Álvarez in particular, noting the striker's familiarity with the English game: "He knows the English league very well. Let's hope he can do what the game asks of him."

What is at stake on Tuesday

The winner of the tie at the Emirates will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final. Both legs of the semifinal have been hard-fought, with Viktor Gyökeres and Álvarez trading penalties in a tight first encounter. A VAR decision not to award Arsenal a penalty during that match has already generated plenty of debate.

  • First leg result: Atlético Madrid 1–1 Arsenal
  • Second leg: Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid, Tuesday at the Emirates
  • Final opponents: PSG or Bayern Munich

For Griezmann, the dream remains simple and unchanged. "Every time you start the Champions League season, you see yourself lifting the trophy," he said. "Every team, every player, every kid in his bedroom. We do too. We're two games away."

Frequently asked

What was the score in the Atlético vs Arsenal first leg?
The first leg at the Metropolitano ended 1-1, with Viktor Gyökeres and Julián Álvarez both scoring from the penalty spot.
Where is Antoine Griezmann going after Atlético Madrid?
Griezmann will join Orlando City in MLS this summer once his time at Atlético Madrid comes to an end.
Who will Atlético or Arsenal face in the Champions League final?
The winner of the Arsenal vs Atlético tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final.