Sofia Quijada
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone appeared to aim a pointed dig at Liverpool following his team’s 4-0 Champions League defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Argentine tactician, whose side also suffered a dramatic 3-2 loss to Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season, praised Arsenal as the “best team we’ve faced this season” — a remark widely viewed as a veiled jab at the Reds. Simeone’s previous visit to Merseyside saw him clash with home fans and receive a red card in the final minutes.
“Arsenal Are the Best Team We’ve Faced”
Speaking to Amazon Prime through a translator, Simeone said:
“Yes, I’d say the best team we’ve faced this season. Arsenal compete so well; they run and they run. There’s quality all over the pitch, and they deserved to win today. I want to congratulate them on that win.”
His comments come just months after hailing Liverpool as one of Europe’s most “complete” sides — a shift that many see as a deliberate attempt to praise Arsenal while downplaying his old rivals.
Arsenal’s Ruthless Second-Half Surge
After a tight first half, Arsenal produced a stunning 13-minute blitz that left Atletico reeling. Gabriel Magalhães broke the deadlock on 57 minutes, followed by Gabriel Martinelli’s composed finish seven minutes later. Viktor Gyökeres then struck twice in quick succession to seal a commanding victory for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Atletico’s usually compact defence fell apart as Arsenal turned on the style, controlling possession and pressing relentlessly. Simeone admitted his side were outplayed in the second half:
“It’s a learning curve. We competed well early on, but there were moments that didn’t go our way. From the 60th minute onwards, they were the better team and deserved to win.”
Hancko: “One of the Best Teams in the World”
Defender David Hancko echoed his manager’s sentiment, telling UEFA:
“A very tough game — you can expect this because Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world right now. It worked for us in the first half; we defended well, even if they created chances.”
Arsenal Flying, Liverpool Struggling
Arsenal’s victory keeps them top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group, maintaining a perfect record this season. Arteta’s side next host Crystal Palace on Sunday, as they continue their charge on multiple fronts.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are in the midst of a difficult spell, losing four straight matches in all competitions. Arne Slot’s side face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, but their preparations were disrupted after flight delays forced the club to cancel their pre-match press conference in Germany.
While Arsenal look unstoppable, Simeone’s dig has once again reignited his rivalry with Liverpool — a reminder that even in defeat, the Atletico boss never misses a chance to stoke the fire.