Atletico ‘craft’ not enough against ‘formidable Arsenal’, says Spanish report
Spanish daily La Vanguardia described Arsenal as “terrific” and “the phenomenon of the year” after Mikel Arteta’s side dismantled Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates, praising their dominance while admitting Diego Simeone’s “trade” was powerless against the Premier League leaders.
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In a report entitled “Arsenal’s millions crush Atlético” journalist Sergio Heredia wrote that Simeone’s experience and intensity were “not always valid, or (will not work) against all rivals”, adding emphatically: “This is not valid, for example, against this formidable Arsenal.”
The article praised Arsenal’s total control of one of Europe’s most robust teams, describing them as “colossal in their league, ambitious in the Champions League”, and noting that “for an hour Atlético resisted, but Arsenal stunned them, with their electric wingers and endless movement.”
La Vanguardia credited Arsenal’s recruitment under Arteta, highlighting investments in Martin Zubimendi, Ebere Eze, Viktor GyökeresAnd Noni Madueke (injured) as part of the transformation into an “intimidating” and “luxury” team that has “won everything, three out of three” in the Champions League.
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The Catalan newspaper detailed how Gabriel Magalhaesthe header of Declan RiceThe performance “marked the beginning of the end”, since Atletico “definitely disintegrated, swallowing a 4-0 in 13 minutes”. Gabriel Martinelli and Gyökeres followed, the latter scoring twice to end his mini-goal drought and complete the rout.
Heredia described Arsenal’s second-half performance as a “storm”, adding that “Atletico ended up bursting” under relentless pressure from “chasers” like Martinelli and Jurrien Boiswho “cut the streets like daggers”.
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The report portrayed Simeone as a “nervous wrecker” on the touchline, “screaming, spitting and in pain”, unable to stop a team whose pace, control and skill overwhelmed their players.
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Even with its theatrical touch, the Spanish reaction was one of respect. “The job was not enough,” concluded La Vanguardia. “Against this Arsenal, no trickery, no experience, no resistance could hold.”
Atletico’s defeat was the heaviest in the Champions League, while Arsenal’s victory extended their perfect European start and strengthened their position alongside Paris Saint-Germain And Inter Milan at the top of the new league format table.