Atletico Madrid has secured a place in the UEFA Europa League final after defeating Arsenal 2-1 on aggregate in a semi-final 2nd leg tie at Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Thursday.
Diego Costa who scored the only goal has put paid to Arsene Wenger’s hopes of ending his Arsenal reign with a trophy.
Atletico, who claimed a late draw in London despite having Sime Vrsaljko dismissed and Simeone sent from the touchline showed their game plan right from the start as they set up to counter, using the strength and pace of Costa and first-leg scorer Antoine Griezmann.
Wenger confirmed in April that his 22-year association with the club will conclude at the end of the season and the players’ bid to see him sign off with a first European trophy ultimately came up short against Diego Simeone’s characteristically shrewd Atletico, for whom Diego Costa netted the decisive goal.
Arsenal’s luck appeared to be out early on as they lost captain Laurent Koscielny to injury, with the France international now a potential doubt for the World Cup as a result.
While Atletico continued to craft chances in the second half, there was a hint of tension in the stands – from where the banned Simeone watched on – that was transferred to the players and gave Arsenal encouragement.
But the visitors, still facing a battle just to claim a top-six spot in the Premier League, were simply incapable of breaking through Atletico’s exceptionally well-drilled defence as the home side dug deep to hold off Arsenal’s late onslaught, booking passage to the final in Lyon on May 16.