Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is hoping his side’s Europa League semi-final victory over Arsenal will help establish their new Wanda Metropolitano stadium as a fortress.
Los Rojiblancos beat the Gunners 1-0 on Thursday night, courtesy of a Diego Costa strike, to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory and clinch a final date with Marseille in Lyon on May 16.
And, having left the Vicente Calderon last summer, Simeone thinks such an impressive European run at the new venue is a sign of good things to come.
“Stories are born from this type of match, the stadiums begin to have their strength from important triumphs,” said the Argentinian, who watched the second leg from the directors’ box after being sent to the stand in the first leg.
“From where I had to watch, I could feel what the fans feel. It is an extraordinary stadium. This is the first page of history we’ll write in the Wanda Metropolitano. We are happy.”
Simeone will also view the final from afar as he continues to serve his touchline ban, having complained to officials following Sime Vrsaljko’s early red card at the Emirates Stadium last week.
👏👏👏 Thank you fans for propelling us to the @EuropaLeague final! 🔴⚪🔴#AúpaAtleti #UEL #AtletiArsenal pic.twitter.com/Wz2yXbq6Ha
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 4, 2018
His assistant, German Burgos oversaw matters from the bench in his absence.
“The game was very well handled,” Simeone said at his post-match press conference. “I had a bad time, obviously, sad, because I feel comfortable (in the dugout), but German was there and we do not have to look to understand what needs to be done.”
Former Argentina goalkeeper Burgos, who faced the media alongside Simeone, said: “He (Simeone) gave me the confidence to do what I had to do. It was a battle, but he was calm because the team was fine.”
Marseille reached the final thanks to a dramatic extra-time goal from substitute Jorge Rolando in Austria which earned a 3-2 aggregate win over Salzburg.
Looking ahead to the final later this month, Simeone said: “We’ve taken a huge step and hopefully winning the Europa League is the next step.
“Marseille are a complicated and fast team. It will surely be a great final.”
