Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal in urgent warning over weather for Champions League tie

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid fans have been urgently warned of thunderstorms and heavy rain ahead of Wednesday night's crunch Champions League semi-final first leg in Spain

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid supporters have been issued an urgent warning about thunderstorms and torrential rain that could affect their Champions League encounter.

Weather forecasters have confirmed that severe conditions are expected across the Madrid Metropolitan Area and Henares Corridor, which could disrupt journeys. Supporters heading to Spain have been advised to stay alert and monitor local weather updates.

They are also urged to verify their transport plans before heading to the Metropolitano Stadium.

Spain's national weather service Aemet reports that Wednesday will bring 30mm of rainfall within a single hour, with the alert active from 12pm in the afternoon through to 10pm - beyond the game's expected finish time.

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The forecast warns of "significant danger" from storms, alongside "very strong gusts" of wind and "occasionally hail".

With the weather alert issued, both managers will be monitoring the skies while focusing on their squads, as only one side can secure a spot in the Champions League final.

Manager Diego Simeone praised his team for reaching the semi-finals and insists full concentration is on the Arsenal test. He said: "Dreaming is ‌all well and good, but reality is what happens on the ground.

"Reality is what we do and what God wills. That's how we behave. We're in another semi-final. It's extraordinary to reach it for the fourth time in 14 years. It's incredible.

"That faith, that excitement, that ⁠infectious spirit will do us a ⁠world of good. We're facing ‌a tough match but we're going there full of hope."

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze have shaken off their "niggles" ahead of the Atleti clash.

Speaking after the Newcastle victory, the Arsenal manager said: "But in relation to the two players [Havertz and Eze], there are muscular niggles.

"We don't think it's too much. We have to wait and see if they're going to be available for Wednesday."