EXCLUSIVE Arsenal and Atletico Madrid meet in the semi-final of the Champions League on Tuesday evening – and one Atleti star has had his say
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are 90 minutes from a Champions League final – the two European titans are tied after the first leg proved to be a tale of two penalties.
Julian Alvarez’s second half spot kick cancelled out Viktor Gyokeres’ effort from 12 yards. However, while Arsenal are locked in a neck-and-neck Premier League battle with Manchester City, Atleti are fully focussed on the Champions League.
Diego Simeone made 11 changes for their 2-0 win over Valencia over the weekend – and Atleti icon Mario Suarez believes that this is their greatest weapon heading into Tuesday evening’s crunch clash.
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Speaking to Daily Star Sport , Suarez said: “Atletico Madrid were able to rest all their players against Valencia at the weekend. Arsenal, on the other hand, played Fulham, and couldn’t rotate almost anyone; in fact, they’ve lost Odegaard.
“It’s true that, for Atletico, with the scoreline in their favour and they were able to rest some players and give minutes to others, but that kind of management is crucial.
“Especially because, as Arteta said and as has been discussed in the media, the Premier League – with the constant battle against City until the very end – doesn’t allow you to relax at any point.
“They have to be at 100% all the time; they can’t rotate as much as other teams…”
Suarez added: “How do I see the game? Difficult. 50-50, to be honest. I think Arsenal are the best defensive team in Europe – the least conceded in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
“Atletico, meanwhile, are a team that attack better than they defend. In the first leg, Atlético looked at their best when they were aggressive – when they pressed high and won the ball back in the opposition’s half.
“We’ll see what happens, because Arsenal’s set pieces are also a major strength.”
Suarez knows all about the Champions League; he was on the bench for the Spanish giants when they were moments away from beating local rivals Real Madrid during the 2013/14 final.
Sergio Ramos’ bullet header in the 93rd minute sent the game to extra time before Atleti simply imploded in extra time. However, Suarez was part of their La Liga winning team that same season.
UK fans can watch LALIGA live throughout this season via Premier Sports, or on Disney+ for each Saturday 8pm kick off