By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Mikel Arteta has called on his Arsenal FC players to channel both belief and frustration after a tense 1–1 draw against Atlético Madrid in Spain, insisting the semi-final remains “finely poised” ahead of the decisive return leg.
The Arsenal manager pointed to extended periods of control from his side, highlighting their composure in possession and ability to dictate the tempo despite a hostile atmosphere.
“We had the game where we wanted it for significant periods,” Arteta said. “The team showed maturity and courage, especially in how we managed possession and territory.”
Arteta, however, did not hide his frustration over a late VAR decision that overturned a potential penalty for Arsenal, a moment he suggested could prove pivotal in such a tightly balanced tie.
“It’s hard to accept because you just want clarity,” he said. “When you see similar situations given, you expect the same standard to apply in a match of this importance.”
The incident has added to ongoing debates around consistency in officiating at the highest level of European football, particularly in matches where margins are razor-thin.
Despite the controversy, Arteta struck an optimistic tone, framing the result as an opportunity rather than a setback. With the aggregate score level, the tie will now be decided in London, where Arsenal will look to capitalise on home advantage.
“We go back home with belief,” he said. “It’s still in our hands, and with our supporters behind us, we have a big chance to take the next step.”
The draw leaves the semi-final delicately balanced, with both sides knowing that a single moment could define their European campaign.
For Arsenal, the task is clear: turn frustration into fuel. For Atlético, it is about surviving the return leg in one of Europe’s most intense atmospheres.
Either way, the stage is set for a decisive night, one where belief, discipline, and perhaps another controversial call could determine who advances.