Diego Simeone has been foiled by Mikel Arteta in the Champions League, with Arsenal running out 4-0 victors against Atletico Madrid.
Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and a Viktor Gyokeres double had Arsenal in dreamland against what is usually a very tough and well-disciplined Diego Simeone side.
Simeone is known for being compact and defensively solid, so for Arsenal to unpick the Spaniards’ side in the second half with ease was no easy feat.
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The Argentine himself recognised this, showering the Gunners with praise in his post-match interview.
Diego Simeone hails Arsenal as Atletico Madrid’s toughest opponent
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Simeone stated that Arsenal were the “best team they have faced this season.”
He said: “Yes, I’d say the best team we have faced this season, Arsenal. They compete so well. They run and they run. There’s quality all over the pitch and, yeah, they deserve to win today. I want to congratulate them on that win as well.”
Considering Atletico have faced the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Inter Milan this season, this is a huge compliment for Arteta and his side.
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Arsenal now sit third in the Champions League table, with just Inter and PSG on the same number of points, the three clubs having won all three of their opening games.
Next up, Slavia Prague away – a tough European fixture for the Gunners.
Simeone says Atletico “made mistakes” vs Arsenal
Simeone further elaborated on the match and said his Atletico side made too many mistakes, which led to the 4-0 defeat.
He said: “We competed very well until the first Arsenal goal, then we couldn’t compete. It can come down to fine margins in terms of taking the game into your control or not, and it’s not down to bad luck – it’s down to mistakes.
Arsenal FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
“They made the most of our mistakes. They took their chances, and all their big chances turned into goals.”
The comments led to backlash from Spanish media on Atletico, which may have been justified.
Atletico currently sit 18th in the table, with just one win from three, so they will be looking to bounce back. That said, there are plenty more games to go.
Arsenal, in contrast, are absolutely flying and show no signs of stopping.