Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has dismissed talk of extra pressure as they try to clinch their first Champions League title, insisting it is a responsibility rather than a burden as they prepare to host Arsenal in Wednesday’s semi-final first leg.
Atletico has reached three European cup finals in its history – two during Simeone’s nearly 15-year tenure – but has never lifted the continent’s top prize. It is the only team to lose three finals without winning the competition.
This season has provided little domestic comfort, with the club fourth in La Liga, 25 points behind leaders Barcelona and effectively out of the title race since January.
The penalty shootout defeat to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final less than a fortnight ago has left the Champions League as Atletico’s only remaining chance of silverware this season, and they could go five straight seasons without trophies.
Yet Simeone was in no mood to look back on previous failures after defeats against Bayern Munich (1974) and Real Madrid (2014, 2016) in the final of Europe’s elite club competition.
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“There is no pressure, there is a sense of responsibility and there is a special sense of anticipation,” he told a news conference on Tuesday.
«At the end of the day it is a football match and it is the players who decide the outcome. We have to prepare well. We want to play the match we have in mind and take the match to a stage where we can cause Arsenal problems,» he added.
Asked if the league owes Atletico anything after three final defeats, Simeone said: «We are all human. If you ask us, everyone has a different opinion. But a league doesn’t owe anyone anything. Things have to be earned and achieved. You have to work hard, go out and get them and hope that Lady Luck is on your side.»
The Argentinian called Atletico’s approach in the recent knockout matches his greatest asset.
«What we did in the knockout stages, whether in the Spanish Cup or in the Champions League… Playing with intensity, with our playing style, with our attacking initiative. That’s how we will approach it,» he said.
For a club chasing its first Champions League title, the temptation to dream is great, but Simeone prefers action to daydreaming.
«Dreaming is all well and good, but the reality is what happens on the ground. The reality is what we do and what God wants. That is how we behave. We are in a semi-final again. It is extraordinary to reach it for the fourth time in fourteen years. It is incredible. That belief, that excitement, that infectious spirit will do us a lot of good. We face a tough match, but we go there full of hope,» said Simeone.
Lookman doubtful for Atletico against Arsenal
Simeone said on Tuesday that Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman is still in doubt about starting at the Metropolitano Stadium.
“We’ll see if he recovers well tomorrow,” said Simeone, who turned 56 on Tuesday. “He still has some discomfort.”
Lookman has scored seven goals for Atletico since his arrival, one of which came in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona as Atletico advanced 3–2 on aggregate.
“His arrival has had a very positive impact on the team,” said Simeone. «He brings new things to our attack. He has also worked much better in the defensive phase.»
(With input from AP)
Published on April 28, 2026
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