Simeone facing two-game ban for ‘improper conduct’ against Arsenal

Down to 10 men and without their coach less than 15 minutes into their Europa League semi-final first leg here against Arsenal, Atletico Madrid came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw and stay alive in the battle to reach the final. “I turned many, many, many clubs down to face the challenge when we built the stadium”, said Wenger on Sky Sports.

“Atletico are heavy favourites for me with their defensive strength and Arsenal’s backline constantly making me nervous”.

I don’t think we’ll see Mesut Ozil starting against United as he needs to be protected for the Europa League while Danny Welbeck could also miss out against his former side.

“For us the task is clear”. They had numerous chances to increase the lead but the North London side were unable to count their opportunities, and paid the price.

“That’s where the regret is”. How could we give a goal away as well?

Atletico are second in La Liga on 72 points, 11 adrift of runaway leaders Barcelona, who will seal the title if Atletico fail to beat Alaves and Real Madrid do not win against Leganes on Saturday.

“We knew if we did not score the second one it was important we did not concede”.

“We have nothing to lose”.

“We have to go there in a positive mood and qualify over there”.

Simeone watched much of the game from the directors’ box after he fumed on the touchline in the early stages.

“He is an exceptional football player and it is very sad what happened to him, and very sad for Arsenal as well”.

Every Arsenal fan will be hoping that Santi Cazorla can make a full recovery and return to first-team action.

“To have 16 or 17 outfield players, to resist 80-plus minutes is tremendous”, Simeone reflected post-match, per The Independent’s Miguel Delaney. “I have goosebumps thinking about the next match”.