Simeone praises Arsenal finances as Atlético exit Champions League

TL;DR

Diego Simeone expressed disappointment after Atlético Madrid's 1-0 loss to Arsenal, which eliminated them from the Champions League. He praised Arsenal's financial strength and their consistent performance under Mikel Arteta.

Key points

Atlético Madrid lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the Champions League semifinals
Diego Simeone praised Arsenal's financial resources and team performance
Simeone expressed disappointment but acknowledged his team's efforts

Mentioned in this story

Diego SimeoneMikel Arteta

Atlético de MadridArsenal FCAntoine GriezmannRiccardo Calafiori

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 5: Diego Simeone manager of Atlético de Madrid leaves the pitch after their sides defeat during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 5, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone was dejected following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, which knocked the Colchoneros out of the Champions League at the semifinal stage. Asked about the controversial refereeing decisions, Simeone said, “there’s nothing to say, we’re out. We congratulate Arsenal, they competed well and they have a team and a coach that I like. “They follow a consistent approach, with significant financial resources that allow them to compete at this level, so congratulations,” he continued. “We’ll keep doing our job, without dwelling on a single detail of something that’s so obvious.”

Diego Simeone on who he applauded after the final whistle

“Our fans and our players. We had a very good Champions League campaign, we gave it our all and went much further than anyone normally expected. It’s a shame. We deserved better in the first leg and today, at the very least, to have forced extra time, which might have given us another chance.”

Simeone on nothing going Atlético’s way

“In the first leg, we already had chances to score and didn’t take them. Here, in the second half, we improved, got more into the game, played in their half and had opportunities. All those little details that sometimes go your way. This time, they didn’t go our way.”

Q&A

What did Diego Simeone say about Arsenal's finances?

Diego Simeone praised Arsenal's significant financial resources, stating they allow the team to compete effectively at a high level.

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

Atlético Madrid had a commendable Champions League campaign, reaching the semifinals, which exceeded expectations.

What were Simeone's thoughts on the refereeing decisions during the match?

Simeone acknowledged controversial refereeing but emphasized that Atlético's elimination was due to Arsenal deserving to advance, not the officials' decisions.