The match was not without its flashpoints, notably a challenge on Griezmann that left Atleti fans calling for a penalty. However, Simeone was adamant about not using the situation as a crutch. "I'm not going to dwell on something as simple and easy as the play involving Griezmann. It's very clear, and we understand that it was a foul by Pubill on one of their players. We think he was right in that situation. I'm not going to dwell on it because that would be making excuses, and I don't want to make excuses for anything," he explained when questioned about the officiating.
Even when pushed further about the details of the match, Simeone maintained his stance, reinforcing his respect for the opponent's progress. "There's nothing more to say. We're out. We congratulate Arsenal; they competed well," he said. "They have a team and a manager [Mikel Arteta] that I like. They follow a consistent approach, with significant financial resources that allow them to compete like this. Congratulations. We'll continue with our work, without getting bogged down in a detail of something that's so obvious."