Simeone, Atletico chasing redemption against Arsenal

TL;DR

Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, seeks redemption against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals after a recent Copa del Rey defeat. The team aims to win silverware for their fans and has a challenging history in European competitions.

Key points

Atletico Madrid seeks redemption against Arsenal in Champions League semi-finals
Diego Simeone emphasizes the need for silverware for fans
Atletico has never won the Champions League despite multiple final appearances
The team aims to recover from a recent Copa del Rey final defeat
The match is significant for both morale and historical context

Mentioned in this story

Diego SimeoneJulian AlvarezAntoine GriezmannMarcos LlorentePablo BarriosGiuliano Simeone

Atletico MadridArsenalChampions LeagueCopa del Rey

Atletico coach Diego Simeone admitted his team's fans need silverware, ahead of the Champions League clash against Arsenal (Oscar DEL POZO) (Oscar DEL POZO/AFP/AFP) Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone have regularly tasted the sting of disappointment, even in what is the club's golden age. They host Arsenal on Wednesday in the Champions League semi-finals chasing redemption after their crushing Copa del Rey final defeat little over a week ago. Tens of thousands of Atletico fans travelled down to Seville only to go home empty-handed, just as they did in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals against bitter rivals Real Madrid. Atletico have never won Europe's premier competition, also beaten in their other final appearance in 1974. They can take a first step towards a fourth final against Mikel Arteta's side this week, in which they are celebrating the club's 123rd anniversary. In their first game back home after the Copa final disappointment, on Saturday against Athletic Bilbao, Atletico's fans gave the team a cold reception. "The fans don't need messages (from me), what they need is to win," noted Simeone, Atletico's most decorated manager, in Seville. However by the end of the team's 3-2 victory over Athletic, only their second in the last nine games across all competitions, the mood had lightened. "We have to get up from that blow and give everything to get to the final," key striker Julian Alvarez said on Monday. The Arsenal tie offers a route to immediate atonement, and by Wednesday the atmosphere will be frenzied, intoxicating, as it was for the quarter-final elimination of Barcelona. Atletico are no longer at the Vicente Calderon but the Metropolitano stadium is just as intense, louder still, with the increased capacity. Opened in 2017, it obviously does not have the history of its predecessor -- that will take time, and intense performances on nights like these, to build. "Congratulations Atletico -- if you beat Arsenal, then the (anniversary) celebration will be perfect," wrote Madrid newspaper AS. The Rojiblancos' support are the loudest in Spain and Simeone called on them to give his team the edge against the Premier League leaders. "Atletico have struggled to reach the Champions League semi-finals and finals," explained the coach. "We've built this success through hard work and the support of our fans. "We need them now more than ever, and hopefully, we can give them what they want on the pitch."

Q&A

What is Atletico Madrid's recent history in the Champions League?

Atletico Madrid has reached the Champions League final three times but has never won the competition, suffering defeats in 1974, 2014, and 2016.

Why do Atletico fans feel the need for silverware?

Atletico fans are eager for silverware due to the team's recent disappointments, including a Copa del Rey final loss and a history of near misses in major competitions.

How has Diego Simeone's coaching impacted Atletico Madrid?

Diego Simeone has transformed Atletico Madrid into a competitive force, emphasizing intensity, work-rate, and a fighting spirit, which has led to significant successes during his tenure.

What are the stakes for Atletico Madrid in the upcoming match against Arsenal?

The match against Arsenal is crucial for Atletico Madrid as it represents a chance to redeem themselves after recent failures and potentially advance to the Champions League final.