Diego Simeone dismisses superstition claims over Atletico Madrid hotel switch for Arsenal showdown

Alvarez, whom Simeone had previously revealed Arsenal are interested in signing, could not complete the first leg and subsequently missed Atleti’s 2-0 victory at Valencia last Saturday. However, the Argentina international, who has netted 20 times for Atleti this season, has travelled to London.

Simeone emphasised Alvarez’s significance, stating: "Julian Alvarez is important in this game because he knows the English league very well. He played really well last week, and I hope he can bring what he needs in the game tomorrow."

The manager also offered broader tactical advice: "As coaches, we have to think about what could happen but it is down to the players. We have to manage our emotions and play as well as possible. The game changes as soon as it kicks off. Over time, you do become patient. It is not about being passive, but calm, and that is what we need in this type of game."

For Antoine Griezmann, who has scored 212 goals in 494 appearances for Atleti, Tuesday’s match against Arsenal could mark his final appearance on Europe’s biggest stage if his team fails to progress.

The 35-year-old Frenchman, who has never won the Champions League, is set to join Major League Soccer side Orlando City at the end of the season.

Julian Alvarez is set to be available for Tuesday's match (AP)

Despite the personal stakes, Griezmann insisted: "It is not something I am thinking about. I am looking forward to the game tomorrow, it will be a great contest to be part of, and I hope we can have the right attitude and play with the right pressure and build on our second-half performance from the first leg.

“Every time we start a Champions League campaign you can see yourself lifting the trophy, and any child in their bedroom would do the same. We are just two games away now and we have to get it right, tactically defensively and going forward, and of course we need more goals (than Arsenal)."