MADRID (AP) — More later Champions League eliminationAtletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone united with his players in front of his team’s fans. Despite losing 1-0 to Arsenal in the semi-finals, ending his team’s hopes of winning their first European Cup, he shouted, pumped his fist and applauded as Atlético fans cheered.
There was no despair, no anguish, no extreme sadness. Simeone was proud and relieved that Atlético had made it this far.
“No one expected us to be here,” said Simeone. “We played against a team with great strength and power. We gave our all, but now we have to accept where we are. I’m grateful to the supporters and the players. I’m proud to be where I am.”
Simeone didn’t complain to the referee either. 2 penalty calls The second half didn’t go as Atlético wanted.
“If we get knocked out, it’s because our opponent deserved to get through,” Simeone said. “If you ask me how I’m feeling, I feel calm and peaceful. The team gave absolutely everything.”
Atlético, Spain’s third-largest soccer team after Barcelona and Real Madrid, appeared in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 10 years, having lost to rivals Madrid in the final in 2016.
They were the only Spanish team to reach the top four in a European tournament this season. Defeated five-time champions Barcelona in the quarterfinals.
Atlético failed to reach the final of the Spanish Super Cup, ending the season without lifting a trophy and losing. Copa del Rey final After losing to Real Sociedad, they are struggling in fourth place in the Spanish league, 25 points behind leaders Barcelona, with four games remaining.
“There were high expectations for us in the Copa and the Champions League,” said Atlético midfielder Koke Resurreción. “We weren’t consistent in the league and we weren’t at the level we should have been. But we lost on penalties in the Copa and came very close to the Champions League.”
“This group is developing a lot and we have very young players who will help this team have many great fights in the near future,” added the 34-year-old Koke, whose future with Atlético was still uncertain.
Griezmann’s European dreams are over
The loss to Arsenal likely ended Antoine Griezmann’s hopes of adding a Champions League title to his career achievements. The French national team forward is Joins MLS club Orlando City After the season.
Griezmann, 35, missed a penalty in Atletico’s 2016 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
“He was a great player,” Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak said. “It’s sad not only for him but for all Atleti fans. It’s a difficult moment because everyone was aiming for this final and we didn’t reach it.”
Simeone praised both Griezmann and Koke after the defeat.
“We played well against Barcelona in the quarter-finals and against Arsenal in the semi-finals. We achieved an unbelievably good result and it was all thanks to the hard work of our players, including Antoine Griezmann.” “I hope the fans appreciate what we have done in the last few games. Cork has been great. He is a true master and despite his age he has shown leadership and talent.”
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