Atletico Madrid Reflects on Champions League Run After Semifinal Exit
Atletico Madrid’s coach Diego Simeone expressed gratitude and pride following the team’s recent elimination from the Champions League. “No one expected that we would be here,” he 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 remained composed despite controversy surrounding two penalty calls that did not favor Atletico in the second half. “If we got knocked out, it’s because our opponents deserved to get through,” he stated. “If you ask me how I feel, I feel calm and peaceful. The team gave absolutely everything.”
This season marked Atletico’s first appearance in the Champions League semifinals in a decade, having previously lost to rival Real Madrid in the 2016 final. The team was the only Spanish side to reach the competition’s last four this season, eliminating five-time champions Barcelona in the quarterfinals.
However, Atletico ended the season without securing any trophies. The team failed to reach the final of the Spanish Super Cup, lost the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad, and struggled in the Spanish league, where it currently sits in fourth place, trailing leader Barcelona by 25 points with four matches remaining.
Midfielder Koke Resurrección acknowledged the team’s inconsistent performance in the league but highlighted their potential. “There were high hopes for us in the Copa and in the Champions League,” he noted. “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.”
Koke, who is uncertain about his future with Atletico, also pointed out the promise of younger players in the squad. “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,” he added.
Griezmann’s European Dream Over
The loss to Arsenal appears to have dashed Antoine Griezmann’s hopes of winning a Champions League title, as the French forward is set to join MLS club Orlando City after the season ends.
Griezmann, who missed a crucial penalty in the 2016 Champions League final against Real Madrid, has been praised for his contributions to the team. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak commented, “He has been an amazing player. We are sad not just for him but for all the fans of Atleti, too. Everyone was looking for this final but we didn’t reach it, so it’s a difficult moment.”
Simeone also commended both Griezmann and Koke following the setback. “We competed well with Barcelona in the quarterfinal, and in the semifinal against Arsenal. We have done incredibly well, and that’s down to the hard work by players, including Antoine Griezmann,” the coach said. “I hope the fans appreciated what we’ve done in the last few games. Koke was incredible, he’s a real master, he shows leadership and talent despite his age.”