News

UCL: Why we played 1-1 draw with Arsenal – Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid head coach, Diego Simeone, has explained why his team played a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg encounter on Wednesday.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Simeone insisted that Atletico failed to beat the Gunners because his players were not clinical in converting their chances in front of goal.

Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez scored the goals of the match at Metropolitano, leaving the encounter open for both teams ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium.

But speaking after the final whistle, Simeone also dismissed any talk of luck.

“I don’t believe in that kind of luck, I believe in clinical finishing,” Simeone said.

“The first half was even, and perhaps they had more possession. We had chances to win the game in the second half. We just could not be clinical enough in those situations.”

Atletico’s next match is against Valencia in the LaLiga this weekend.