Simeone insists Atletico´s first-leg draw against Arsenal was not down to bad luck

Diego Simeone believes the rationale Atletico Madrid drew their Champions League semi-final first leg in opposition to Arsenal was an absence of scientific ending, slightly than unhealthy luck.

Julian Alvarez’s penalty noticed the primary leg finish stage on the Riyadh Air Metropolitano after Viktor Gyokeres scored a spot-kick of his personal within the first half.

This was the primary Champions League knockout stage recreation with a couple of objective to see 100% of them come through penalties for the reason that 2001 ultimate (Bayern Munich 1-1 Valencia).

Atleti’s xG (2.2) was the second-highest by a workforce in opposition to Arsenal throughout all competitions this season, solely behind Aston Villa in December 2025 within the Premier League (2.5).

Antoine Griezmann hit the woodwork and noticed one other effort blocked by Gabriel Magalhaes, whereas Ademola Lookman shot straight at David Raya after turning previous Ben White.

When requested if Atleti’s show in entrance of objective got here all the way down to luck, Simeone responded: “I don’t consider in that sort of luck, I consider in scientific ending.

“The primary half was even; maybe they’d extra possession, however there have been few clear-cut possibilities for both facet.

“They’re superb, they haven’t misplaced a single Champions League match, they’re high of the Premier League, and the substitutes who got here on and had been higher than the starters.

“All the pieces was spectacular main as much as an excellent second half, the place we had possibilities to win the sport. We simply couldn’t be scientific sufficient in these conditions.”

He’s so good it looks as if a online game pic.twitter.com/6pXbWirBWN

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 29, 2026

Arsenal (57) and Atleti (55) are the 2 groups from Europe’s top-five leagues who’ve performed probably the most matches throughout all competitions in 2025-26, with each side additionally assembly on the Emirates Stadium earlier this season.

The Gunners gained 4-0 within the league part, although Jan Oblak insisted Atleti won’t dwell on that end result forward of the second leg.

“It was an intense recreation from each side. Each side had been in search of a win, however I believe we had recreation, however at 1-1, there’s loads to determine in London subsequent week,” the Atleti goalkeeper informed TNT Sports activities.

“We won’t take into consideration the earlier recreation the place we misplaced 4-0 there. I consider it is going to be a unique recreation, and we’ll do all the pieces to get end result and get to the ultimate.

“We don’t take into consideration lifting the trophy; first, we have to work on the pitch within the second leg. Arsenal wish to win the Champions League as effectively, so we have to cross them first.”