Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid are "convinced" they can reach the Champions League final as they prepare to face Arsenal in the semi-final second leg.

The spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw between the sides at the Metropolitano last Wednesday, with Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez both scoring from the penalty spot.

It leaves the tie finely poised, though Arsenal are favoured to win the second leg and book their place in the final, winning 56% of the Opta supercomputer's pre-match simulations compared to Atletico's 20.2%.

Atletico, however, are looking to reach the Champions League final for the third time under Simeone (previously in 2014 and 2016).

Only two managers have ever reached more finals in the competition with the same club: Alex Ferguson with Manchester United and Marcello Lippi with Juventus (four each).

Atletico have lost six of their last seven away games against English sides in the Champions League (W1), including each of the last four in a row, but Simeone insists they have their eye on the prize.

"We will try to play the game we need to, with the understanding the game demands, so that the players raise their performance," Simeone said.

"We are convinced and sure of what we want. But it won't depend on us.

"I think everyone is always looking for a title, something out of the ordinary. The reality is that footballers and coaches just want the game to start.

"And whoever plays better will have a better chance, and everyone will want to maximise their strengths."

Alvarez has averaged a goal or assist every 80 minutes in his Champions League career (34 in 2,710 minutes – 25 goals, nine assists). Of strikers with 20+ goal involvements in the competition, only Erling Haaland (74) has a better ratio.

He missed Atletico's 2-0 win over Valencia at the weekend, after sustaining an injury in the first leg against Arsenal, but he is back in the squad for the trip to Emirates Stadium.

"What Julian brings to these important matches," Simeone said of the striker.

"He knows the English league very well, and he played very well in the first leg. Hopefully, he can respond in the way the match demands."

Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann could make his 128th and final ever appearance in major European competition (currently on 127), after agreeing a deal to join MLS side Orlando City at the end of the season.

He is one of only four Frenchmen with at least 50 goals in major European competition (50), along with Karim Benzema (90), Kylian Mbappe (78) and Thierry Henry (58).

"I'm focused on [Tuesday's] game, on what my team-mates will need," Griezmann said when asked if he envisioned himself saying goodbye to Atletico in the Champions League final.

"I'm not thinking about the games I have left. I'm just focused on being fresh and having good legs.

"Every time we start the Champions League, you see yourself lifting the trophy. Every kid dreams of it. We do too.

"We're two games away. We have to be solid tactically, both defensively and offensively. We have to maintain the same level we showed in the second half of the first leg. But we also need to score a few more goals."