After another Champions League elimination, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone gathered with his players in front of the team’s fans.
He shouted, pumped his fists and applauded as Atletico fans chanted their support despite a 1-0 semi-final defeat to Arsenal that ended the team’s hopes of winning European competition for the first time.
There was no despair, no fear, no extreme sadness. Simeone was at peace with it, proud of how far Atletico had made it.
“Nobody expected us to be here,” Simeone said. «We competed with a team that had so much strength and power. We gave everything and now we have to accept the place we are in. I am grateful to our supporters and our players. I am proud to be where I am today.»
Simeone did not even complain to the referees, despite two penalties that did not go to Atletico’s favor in the second half.
“If we get knocked out, it’s because our opponents deserved to get through,” Simeone said. «If you ask me how I feel, I feel calm and peaceful. The team gave absolutely everything.»
Atletico, the third power in Spanish football after Barcelona and Real Madrid, played in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in a decade – since losing the final to rival Madrid in 2016.
It was the only Spanish team to reach the last four of the European tournament this season, eliminating five-time champions Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
Atletico ended the season without lifting a trophy after failing to reach the final of the Spanish Super Cup, losing the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad and struggling in the Spanish league, where it sits in fourth place, 25 points behind leaders Barcelona with four games remaining.
“There were high expectations for us in the Copa and in the Champions League,” said Atletico midfielder Koke Resurrección. «We weren’t consistent in the league; we weren’t at the level we should have been. But we lost the Copa on penalties and in the Champions League we were so close to progressing.»
“This group has improved a lot and we have very young players who will definitely help this team to fight for many great things in the near future,” added 34-year-old Koke, whose future at Atletico remained unclear.
The loss to Arsenal likely ended Antoine Griezmann’s hopes of adding a Champions League title to his career. The French attacker will join MLS club Orlando City after the season.
The 35-year-old Griezmann missed a penalty in the 2016 Champions League final that Atletico lost to Real Madrid.
“He has been a great player,” said Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. «We are sad not only for him, but also for all Atleti fans. Everyone was looking for this final, but we did not reach it, so it is a difficult moment.»
Simeone praised both Griezmann and Koke after the defeat.
«We competed well against Barcelona in the quarter-final and in the semi-final against Arsenal. We did incredibly well, and that is down to the hard work of players, including Antoine Griezmann,» the coach said. «I hope the fans have appreciated what we have done in the last few games. Koke has been incredible, he is a real master, he shows leadership and talent despite his age.»
Published on May 6, 2026
