Atletico Madrid’s players expressed a mix of satisfaction and regret following their 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Metropolitano. While they acknowledged the missed opportunity to take a lead to London, they were pleased with their team’s response after conceding.
Antoine Griezmann, named man of the match, highlighted the team’s improved intensity and pressing in the second half. “My biggest dream is to reach the final,” he stated. “Our second half was much better in terms of intensity and pressing. That’s the way to go in the second leg. It’s going to be a great match to play.” He also expressed a personal desire to convert his chances in the return leg, saying, “I had three chances, but I couldn’t get them in the net, but I’ll definitely get them in the second leg.”
Marcos Llorente: ‘Whoever is more efficient will win’
Marcos Llorente echoed Griezmann’s sentiments about efficiency in front of goal. “Everything’s still up for grabs in the second leg. They took the first half and we took the second. That’s what we have to take away from this. We’ve made things very difficult for them,” he told MD. Llorente emphasized the need for greater risk-taking and precision in the final third, adding, “We need to be more precise in the final third, because that’s what makes the difference.” He anticipates a highly competitive second leg, describing it as “another war” where the more efficient team will prevail.
Johnny Cardoso: ‘We need the intensity of the second half’
Johnny Cardoso, who was substituted later in the match, felt there was little to separate the two teams. “I don’t see anyone as favourites. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves and we know we can go out there, play a great game, and qualify,” he told MD. Cardoso pointed out the team’s strong second-half performance, stating, “However, the second half was much better, with much more intensity and we created more chances, and we could have achieved a positive result.” Regarding the penalty decisions, he commented, “our penalty is a clear handball.” He stressed the importance of replicating their second-half intensity in the return leg.
Jan Oblak: ‘The power beat me on the penalty’
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak reflected on the intense match and the penalty decisions. “Intense game from both teams, we were looking for three points, them as well. I think we did a pretty good game, but 1-1 two penalties, all to play for in London,” he told TNT Sports. While acknowledging that the power of the penalty beat him, he expressed frustration but focused on the future. “Unlucky. I am angry about it, but it’s in the past now, and we need to focus first on the league this weekend, and then on the second leg in London.” Oblak dismissed the relevance of their previous 4-0 league defeat to Arsenal, asserting that the team would do everything possible to reach the final.
Speaking to Spanish media, Oblak stated that his side would require a “perfect game” to overcome Arsenal in the second leg. “We all have to play a perfect game on Tuesday if we want to reach the final.” He concluded that while winning was the objective, the team left with a good feeling, and everything remains open for the return leg at the Emirates.
The return leg is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Emirates stadium. Diego Simeone was satisfied with his team’s second-half reaction, while Mikel Arteta expressed frustration with the penalty decision, believing it “changed the tie.”