Simeone finally admits truth after Arsenal’s brutal set-piece masterclass

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone admitted his side were second best after their 4–0 defeat to Arsenal, acknowledging that his players failed to handle key moments in the game.

Speaking after the match, the Argentine coach said his team competed strongly in the first half but lost control once Arsenal broke the deadlock.

“The positives are that we competed very well until the first Arsenal goal,” Simeone said. “After that, we could have defended better. They did very well and got their goals.”

The Spanish side started brightly, closing down spaces and frustrating Arsenal’s attackers for much of the opening half.

However, the Premier League side found their rhythm after the interval, scoring four times through Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Martinelli and a Viktor Gyökeres brace.

Simeone pointed out that Arsenal’s set-piece quality and clinical finishing made the difference on the night.

“Set-pieces are so important in football and it can be key in this competition,” he explained. “It could come down to fine margins, in terms of taking the game in your control or not. It is not down to bad luck, it is down to mistakes. They made the most of our mistakes, took their chances. Their chances turned into goals.”

Atlético boss calls for better concentration

The Atlético manager insisted his team had opportunities of their own but failed to take them, highlighting the need for improvement in both boxes.

“We could have scored in the first half and hit the bar in the second half. This is a lesson we have to learn. Today those key moments went against us,” he said.

Simeone also criticised his players for lapses in marking and physical duels, especially from set-pieces where Arsenal capitalised.

“It is individual mistakes that affect the team, losing your man from a set-piece,” he admitted. “For the third goal we were too weak and it ended up going in off a deflection anyway. These are small details that can turn the game in one team’s favour.”

Despite the defeat, Simeone remained focused on learning from the experience, stressing the importance of responding strongly in upcoming fixtures.

Atlético will now look to regroup as they return to domestic action, hoping to bounce back quickly and rediscover their early-season form.

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