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Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone reacts after the referee cancels the penalty awarded to Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid. Picture date: Wednesday April 29, 2026. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone reflected on refereeing controversies and went on to insist that his side was the better team after a 1-1 tie in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Arsenal.
Asked about the penalty awarded against Atlético in the first half, Simeone said, “to award a penalty, it truly has to be a penalty.
“The contact seemed minimal to me in the first half, and we’re in the Champions League semifinals,” Simeone said.
Diego Simeone on Julián Alvarez’s injury
“He’ll undergo tests. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious.”
Simeone on whether he’s optimistic about the second leg
“I’m always optimistic.”
Simeone on injuries
“Giuliano had a collision with Hincapié, just a knock. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious. Sørloth said his leg was bothering him (during warm-ups), so we took it easy on him to avoid overworking him ahead of the second leg.”
Simeone on whether Atleti were lucky
“I don’t believe in luck, I believe in decisiveness. The first half was even, maybe they were better with the ball but didn’t create many chances. They have a very strong squad, their substitutes came on and were better than the starters. Even so, in the second half we were better than them.”
Simeone on adjustments at halftime
“They dropped their intensity and we improved our organization. We were better at the back and created chances through Griezmann and Lookman.”
Simeone on the atmosphere at the Metropolitano
“Today was incredible, the arrival at the stadium was impressive. Rarely has the spirit we had at the start of the match been equaled. They won’t be present for the second leg, but their souls and hearts will be there.”
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