Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone praises Arsenal following his side’s heavy 4-0 defeat in the Champions League on Tuesday night, describing Mikel Arteta’s men as the best team Atletico have faced this season. The Argentine coach could only watch as the Gunners turned on the style at the Emirates Stadium, scoring four times in just 13 second-half minutes to maintain their perfect record in Europe this campaign.
Arsenal stun Atletico Madrid with dominant second-half display
The Gunners were made to work hard in the first half, with Atletico defending in numbers and frustrating the home side. However, once the breakthrough came, Arsenal’s attacking play became almost unstoppable. Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring before Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres added three more, with the Swedish striker bagging a brace.
For Simeone, the result was difficult to take but impossible to argue with. The Atletico boss admitted that Arsenal’s intensity, organisation, and technical quality set them apart from every opponent his side has faced so far this season.
“Yes, I’d say the best team we’ve faced this season,” Simeone told Amazon Prime via a translator. “Arsenal, they compete so well, they run and they run; there’s quality all over the pitch, and they fully deserved to win today. I want to congratulate them on that win as well.”
The loss continues Atletico’s difficult run in England. Just weeks earlier, Simeone’s men were beaten 3-2 at Anfield after Virgil van Dijk’s dramatic 92nd-minute winner for Liverpool. The back-to-back defeats highlight the growing challenge Spanish sides have faced when visiting the Premier League’s top clubs this season.
Simeone praises Arsenal’s balance and intensity
Diego Simeone praises Arsenal not only for their attacking display but also for the balance and structure that Mikel Arteta has instilled in the team. The Atletico boss explained that while his side started the game competitively, Arsenal’s quality eventually became too much to contain.
“It’s a learning curve for us,” Simeone said. “We competed really well to begin with. There were a few situations that didn’t go our way, and then from 60 minutes onwards, they were the better team. They deserved to win.”
Simeone’s comments reflect the growing respect across Europe for Arteta’s Arsenal. Under the Spanish coach, the Gunners have developed into one of the continent’s most complete sides — combining their trademark high pressing with fluid attacking movements and defensive discipline.
Defender David Hancko echoed his manager’s praise, admitting Arsenal’s level was simply too high on the night. “A very tough game,” he said. “You can expect this because they’re one of the best teams in the world right now. It worked for us in the first half; we were able to defend even though they created some chances.”
Arsenal’s Champions League form remains flawless
The victory means Arsenal remain unbeaten in this season’s Champions League, having now won all of their group matches. They have scored freely throughout the campaign, while their defensive record remains one of the best in the competition.
Their emphatic win against Atletico Madrid further strengthens their reputation as one of Europe’s most in-form sides. Arsenal’s control of the game — particularly in the second half — showcased the tactical maturity Arteta has been developing within the squad.
The result also serves as a statement to Europe’s elite, reinforcing Arsenal’s credentials as genuine contenders for both the Premier League and Champions League titles this season.
Arsenal’s focus shifts back to domestic duties
Following Diego Simeone praises Arsenal comments, attention now turns back to domestic action. Arsenal sit at the top of the Premier League table and will host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as they aim to continue their excellent run of form.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to struggle. A 2-1 loss to Manchester United last weekend marked their fourth straight defeat in all competitions. The Reds face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League next, although their preparations have been hampered by travel delays to Germany.
For Arsenal, however, confidence is high. The Gunners’ ability to dismantle a defensively organised team like Atletico Madrid shows how far they’ve come under Arteta. The manager’s blend of tactical discipline, attacking creativity, and mental resilience has made Arsenal one of the most feared sides in Europe.
Why Simeone’s comments matter
When a manager like Diego Simeone praises Arsenal so openly, it speaks volumes about the Gunners’ progress. Simeone, known for building one of Europe’s most stubborn and tactically disciplined teams over the last decade, rarely hands out such compliments lightly. His acknowledgment that Arsenal are the “best team” Atletico have faced highlights just how formidable Arteta’s side have become.
Arsenal’s transformation from a developing young team to a polished, relentless unit capable of dismantling top European opposition reflects years of steady growth. The second-half display against Atletico wasn’t just about scoring goals — it was about composure, pressing intelligence, and tactical clarity.
As Diego Simeone praises Arsenal after a humbling 4-0 defeat, his words underline a reality that many across Europe are beginning to accept — Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are now among the continent’s elite. Their Champions League campaign continues to impress, their Premier League form remains strong, and their belief seems unshakable.
If Arsenal continue to play with the same confidence and control, they might soon be regarded not just as one of the best teams Simeone has faced — but as one of the very best in world football.
