Simeone Confident Atletico Can Reach Champions League Final

Diego Simeone has expressed confidence that Atletico Madrid can advance to the Champions League final as they gear up for their semi-final second leg against Arsenal. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano, with Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez converting penalties.

The tie remains finely balanced, though Arsenal are favored to progress, with Opta’s pre-match simulations giving them a 56% chance of winning compared to Atletico’s 20.2%. Simeone’s side aims to reach their third Champions League final under his leadership, having previously done so in 2014 and 2016. Only Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) and Marcello Lippi (Juventus) have managed more finals with a single club, each reaching four.

Despite Atletico’s poor away record against English clubs—losing six of their last seven Champions League encounters—Simeone remains optimistic. "We will try to play the game we need to, with the understanding it demands, so the players raise their performance," he said. "We are convinced and sure of what we want. But it won’t depend on us."

Alvarez, who averages a goal or assist every 80 minutes in the Champions League (25 goals, nine assists in 2,710 minutes), returns to the squad after missing Atletico’s weekend win over Valencia due to injury. Simeone praised the striker’s impact: "He knows the English league well and played very well in the first leg. Hopefully, he can respond as the match demands."

Antoine Griezmann, set to join Orlando City in MLS next season, could make his 128th and final appearance in European competition. The Frenchman, one of only four from his country with 50+ goals in major European tournaments, remains focused on the task. "I’m not thinking about the games I have left," he said. "Every time we start the Champions League, you see yourself lifting the trophy. We’re two games away. We have to be solid tactically and score more goals."