Simeone expresses strong feelings as Atlético Madrid advances to UCL semifinals.
Diego Simeone expressed that observing his Atlético Madrid squad compete continues to evoke “emotion” after they defeated Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, securing a spot in the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2017.
Barcelona triumphed in Tuesday’s quarterfinal second leg at the Metropolitano with a score of 2-1, thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Ademola Lookman. However, it is Atlético who will advance to face either Arsenal or Sporting Club de Portugal in the upcoming round.
Simeone’s Atlético have now reached the Champions League semifinals on four occasions: in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2026, having eliminated Barcelona three times during this journey.
“Eliminating Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals is no simple task,” Simeone remarked during his post-match press conference. “We’ve encountered [Lionel] Messi’s Barcelona, Yamal’s Barcelona, and we’ve succeeded.”
“It’s been 14 years [here],” Simeone continued. “Watching the team compete still brings me emotion. The players have changed, we’ve rebuilt numerous times, and once again we find ourselves among the four best teams in Europe.
“What a privilege it is to participate in a Champions League semifinal!”
Simeone commended the impact of Antoine Griezmann, who is set to depart Atlético to join Orlando City in MLS this summer.
“He’s a genius,” Simeone stated. “In time, we will recognize that we’ve had a football genius here, a player who makes a difference, possessing experience and character. Let us hope that fate grants him what he seeks in his remaining time with us.”
“I’m very pleased,” Griezmann told Movistar. “We made two errors [leading to Barça’s goals] that you pay for immediately in these matches. I lost possession for the second. But ultimately, with the support of the fans and our quality, we managed to score.
“We weren’t at ease with the ball; we lacked the composure necessary to play. But we are in the semifinals. It doesn’t matter who we face.”
Simeone’s squad has frequently been characterized as defensive, yet the coach contended that it was an offensive strategy that enabled them to eliminate Barcelona.
“We have been evolving for years,” Simeone noted. “We are clear about our objectives. We attack better than we defend! Therefore, we must focus on attacking. There is no other option.”
Arsenal will host Sporting at the Emirates on Wednesday, with the Premier League team holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.
