Arteta reveals Arsenal’s next plan in UEFA Champions League after Atletico Madrid’s stalemate
By Joel Masibo, April 30, 2026Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is already turning his attention to the return leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final after his side delivered a strong showing against Atletico Madrid in a charged atmosphere at Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
The Gunners head back to Emirates Stadium with the tie evenly poised at 1-1, following a match where Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez both converted from the spot. Despite the intensity inside the stadium, the visitors stayed composed and ensured they remained firmly in contention heading into the decisive fixture in north London.
With two crucial matches scheduled within a short span at home, Arteta is already focused on preparing his squad mentally and physically for the challenges ahead.
Arteta’s reflection
Reflecting on the encounter, he said: “What an atmosphere to play football in. The stadium, the passion that they put in was second to none.
“I think we navigated the game in a great way. We knew they were going to have moments of dominance, and in the semi-finals of the Champions League in this stadium, it was very difficult. I’ve seen many big teams get outplayed here and lose three or four. The moment that [Atletico] click, they get that momentum and that energy, they are really dangerous.
“It’s not the result that we wanted, but the good thing is that we have to play the second leg at home in front of our people, and with the chance if we win again to be in the final.
“Let’s start to get ready because we can’t wait. We have to now prepare for Fulham, so I just said to the boys get the energy right, sleep, eat, get a lot of love, because first of all is Fulham, and we need to put our heads down.”
The contest ultimately hinged on penalty decisions, with two awarded and one reversed after a VAR review. A key moment came when a decision involving Eberechi Eze was overturned despite an initial judgment in Arsenal’s favour, a call that left Arteta frustrated. Meanwhile, Ben White was penalised for handball, leading to Atletico Madrid equalising.
Assessment
Sharing his thoughts on those incidents, Arteta added: “We started the game pretty well, I think we dominated, especially the first half in the manner that we wanted to score the goal. Then we had a period in the second half where we didn’t start well, in the first 15, 20 minutes, credit to them. We were very sloppy, very imprecise with the ball, and in that moment we conceded the goal in a really disappointing way with Ben’s handball.
“We know at this level, because they’ve been quite consistent, that it’s going to be a penalty, I accept that because within the rules and explanations they give from the beginning, so I expect that to happen. What is unacceptable and what we’re all fuming about is how the penalty of Ebs gets overturned in the manner that it has. At this level, this cannot happen.
“There were two penalties yesterday in the PSG v Bayern Munich game as well, so I’m not surprised about it – let’s be consistent and it is what it is, it cannot be overturned on the day in the semi-final because a lot have made that decision.” Arteta said.