Two of the highest-performing players by Sofascore Rating in this UEFA Champions League campaign meet head-on at Emirates Stadium. Julián Álvarez leads Atlético Madrid’s attack, David Raya anchors Arsenal’s goal. The semifinal is level at 1-1 after the first leg, so every touch between striker and goalkeeper matters.

The curious head-to-head

Álvarez has never beaten Raya in five meetings. The record is 0 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses, with a combined 2-9 team scoreline. His only goal against Raya came last week – a calm penalty in the first leg.

Those five games span Manchester City vs Brentford, Arsenal vs City, and now Arsenal vs Atlético. Minutes add up to 329 for Álvarez, which makes the one-goal return all the more intriguing. History says Raya has had the upper hand, but it has narrowed.

What the first leg told us

At the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Atlético generated more xG (2.21 to 1.51) and out-shot Arsenal 18-11, yet it finished 1-1. Raya’s shot-stopping made a difference, with 3 saves and 0.76 goals prevented on Sofascore’s model. Álvarez was Atlético’s most dangerous outlet, taking 6 shots and converting the penalty, posting a 7.4 Sofascore Rating in 77 minutes.

Arsenal absorbed pressure better after the break and limited clear looks from open play. Expect more attention on Álvarez’s movement off Antoine Griezmann, plus quick service into the box where he had joy drawing contact.

Keys at the Emirates

– Álvarez’s first step in tight spaces. If he turns cleanly between the lines, shots follow. His penalty last week came from persistence in those zones.
– Raya’s starting positions and high claims. Atlético’s 269 crosses and 83 corners this UCL season invite aerial tests. One clean take can flip the field.
– Transition control. Atlético’s 24 fast breaks and 7 fast-break goals are real. Arsenal’s midfield must shut that tap early.
– Set pieces. With margins this thin and away goals not in play, dead balls could decide the finalist.

Spotlight on form and Sofascore Rating

Across this Champions League run, Álvarez owns Atlético’s best average Sofascore Rating at 7.62, thanks to constant involvement and shot volume. Raya tops Arsenal in the competition at 7.33, boosted by strong handling and distribution. That checks out with the eye test too: Arsenal have kept 8 clean sheets in 13 UCL matches.

Arsenal’s team profile reads balanced and efficient – 28 goals for, only 6 against and 53 percent possession. Atlético bring more chaos and transition, scoring 35 but conceding 27, plus a notable 7 fast-break goals. Translation for tonight: Álvarez will get looks, Raya will have decisions to make.

Market prices at the time of writing shade Arsenal as favorites at home, but the matchup within the match remains Álvarez vs Raya. Track how it swings in real time with live stats, heatmaps and the evolving Sofascore Rating on Sofascore.