Nevertheless, Atlético's players looked alert. The visitors showed flashes of their no-nonsense counter-attacking game and posed an occasional threat, leaving Arsenal to toil against the Rojiblancos' renowned defence.
During the league campaign, Atlético had suffered a heavy 0-4 thrashing in North London; this time they'd changed hotels—out of superstition? No, no, Simeone assured us, adding with a wink that the new accommodation was "simply cheaper".
The ploy worked—at least until just before half-time. Arsenal created little, saw their appeals for a penalty from German referee Daniel Siebert, following a light push on Leandro Trossard (34'), turned down, and yet still had reason to celebrate. Saka pounced after Jan Oblak had made a strong save from a Trossard shot.
Arteta's side, now back on course for the league title after Manchester City's slip-up, almost gifted the lead away soon after the restart. William Saliba inadvertently flicked the ball to Atlético substitute Giuliano Simeone, who wasted the golden opportunity (51). Viktor Gyökeres then spurned a golden opportunity to wrap things up for Arsenal (66'), keeping the contest alive until the final whistle.