Arsenal held off a plucky comeback from CSKA Moscow in the Russian capital on Thursday to earn their place in the draw, but were handed the odds-on favourites to win the competition.
Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal, who conducted the draw, was not kind on the 'Gunners', who will have to be at their best if they are to breach what is one of the sternest defensive units in European football.
Arsene Wenger's side are desperate to win the Europa League to secure a backdoor return to the Champions League after another disappointing season domestically, but must somehow get past Atletico is they are to feature in the final in Lyon in May.
To make matters worse, Arsenal came out of the hat first, meaning that they must make the trip to the Spanish capital in the second leg.
The first leg will take place at the Emirates on April 26, with Arsenal then heading to the Wanda Metropolitano a week later on April 3.
The game will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides.
13 April 2018