Simeone: Arsenal Best Team We Faced This Season

Diego Simeone has hailed Arsenal as the best team Atletico Madrid have faced this season after his side’s Champions League semi-final defeat in London.

Atletico travelled to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night hoping to reach their first Champions League final since 2016.

With the first leg ending 1-1, the tie was delicately poised, but Bukayo Saka’s first-half strike proved decisive as Arsenal secured a 1-0 win on the night and a 2-1 aggregate victory.

The result sends Arsenal into their first Champions League final in 20 years, while they also remain on course for the Premier League title, holding a five-point lead over Manchester City.

Simeone admitted his side were second best over the two legs and praised Mikel Arteta’s team for their rhythm and conviction.

‘Arsenal were the better team over these two legs, they are the best team we have faced this season,’ Simeone said. ‘They took their big chance in the first half and deserved to go through. We gave it our all but weren’t clinical enough.’

The Atletico boss also lauded Arteta’s work at Arsenal, noting the club’s financial strength and long-term planning.

‘Mikel has done an incredible job. They’ve been working very hard for many years and they deserve this,’ Simeone added.

Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak echoed his manager’s sentiments, admitting Arsenal ‘deserved’ to advance.

‘Whoever wins is always the best team. Arsenal were better and they’re in the final,’ Oblak said.

Arsenal will now face either Bayern Munich or holders PSG in the final, with PSG holding a narrow one-goal advantage after a thrilling 5-4 win in Paris last week.