Atletico Madrid's Simeone proud and 'peaceful' after Champions League hopes dashed yet again

TL;DR

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone expressed pride and peace after the team's 1-0 Champions League semifinal loss to Arsenal, ending their hopes of winning the tournament. Despite the defeat, Simeone praised his players and fans for their support throughout the season.

Key points

Atletico Madrid lost 1-0 to Arsenal in Champions League semifinals
Diego Simeone felt proud and peaceful after the defeat
Antoine Griezmann's hopes for a Champions League title ended
Atletico Madrid did not win any trophies this season
The team struggled in the Spanish league, sitting fourth

Atletico MadridArsenalReal SociedadBarcelona

MADRID (AP) — After yet another Champions League elimination, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone rallied with his players in front of the team's fans. He yelled, pumped his fists and applauded as the Atletico fans chanted support despite a 1-0 semifinal loss to Arsenal that ended the team's hopes of winning the European competition for the first time. There was no desperation, no anguish, no extreme sadness. Simeone was at peace, proud of how far Atletico made it. “No one expected that we would be here,” Simeone said. “We competed with a team that had so much strength and power. We gave it our all and now we have to accept the place that we're in. I’m grateful to our supporters and our players. I feel proud to be where I am right now.” Simeone wasn't even complaining with the refereeing despite two penalty calls that didn't go Atletico's way in the second half. “If we got knocked out, it’s because our opponents deserved to get through,” Simeone said. “If you ask me how I feel, I feel calm and peaceful. The team gave absolutely everything.” Atletico, the third power in Spanish soccer behind Barcelona and Real Madrid, was playing in the Champions League semifinals for the first time in a decade — since it lost the final to rival Madrid in 2016. It was the only Spanish team to reach the last four of the European tournament this season, eliminating five-time champion Barcelona in the quarterfinals. Atletico ended the season without lifting a trophy after not reaching the final in the Spanish Super Cup, losing the to , and struggling in the Spanish league, where it sits in fourth place, 25 points behind leader Barcelona with four games remaining. “There were high hopes for us in the Copa and in the Champions League,” Atletico midfielder Resurrección said. “We were not consistent in the league, we were not at the level we should have been. But we lost the Copa in a penalty shootout and in the Champions League we were this close to advancing.” “This group has been improving a lot and we have very young players who certainly will help this team fight for many great things in the near future,” added the 34-year-old Koke, whose future with Atletico remained unclear.

Q&A

What did Diego Simeone say after Atletico Madrid's Champions League elimination?

Diego Simeone expressed pride in his team's performance and stated he felt calm and peaceful despite the loss.

How did Atletico Madrid perform in the Champions League this season?

Atletico Madrid reached the semifinals for the first time in a decade but lost to Arsenal, marking the end of their Champions League hopes.

What impact did the loss to Arsenal have on Antoine Griezmann's career?

The loss likely ended Antoine Griezmann's hopes of winning a Champions League title as he prepares to join MLS club Orlando City.

What challenges did Atletico Madrid face in domestic competitions this season?

Atletico Madrid struggled in the Spanish league, sitting fourth and 25 points behind Barcelona, and lost the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad.

Atletico Madrid's Simeone proud and 'peaceful' after Champions League hopes dashed yet again

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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