Arsenal’s set-piece skills are often whispered about as if they were a secret art form, a chaotic dance in the penalty area. But when it comes to the realm of cunning tactics, Diego Simeone’s playbook is in a league of its own. Renowned for his crafty approach, Simeone’s legacy as a master of gamesmanship dates back to his days on the pitch. Just ask David Beckham, who fell victim to Simeone’s theatrics during the infamous 1998 World Cup incident, where a strategic tumble led to Beckham’s red card after a retaliatory kick.
This reputation for shrewdness is exactly why Arsenal must brace themselves for a combative encounter in Atletico Madrid’s stronghold during Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final first leg. The clash promises not only to test their technical skills but also their mental resilience in the face of an intense atmosphere.
Adding to Arsenal’s concerns is the notorious playing surface at Atletico’s home ground, which has recently become a source of frustration for visiting teams in European competitions. Just last month, the turf at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium played a significant role in Tottenham’s 5-2 downfall during the Champions League round of 16.
Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, experienced a particularly harrowing evening, marked by a series of blunders that saw him substituted in tears after just 17 minutes. His slips gifted goals to Atletico’s Marcos Llorente and Julian Alvarez, while a similar mishap by Micky van de Ven allowed Antoine Griezmann to score as well.
While Kinsky’s mistakes were glaring, they brought the condition of the pitch into question. Post-match, Griezmann acknowledged that Atletico capitalized on the errors, attributing part of their success to the slippery surface they are more accustomed to. This revelation underscores the significance of the pitch, which has become a talking point for more than just its role in Tottenham’s woes.
Atletico Madrid players train on Monday ahead of their Champions League semi vs Arsenal
Atletico’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium turf will be under scrutiny on Wednesday night
Tottenham goalkeeper struggled with his footing during their Champions League last-16 loss
Kinsky had a howler, yes, but there were questions over the turf under his feet, too. After the match, Griezmann said that Atletico ‘took advantage of some of their mistakes, the pitch was very slippy, and we’re more used to it’. That in itself says much – and was not the only recent pitch-related controversy there.
Barcelona raised concerns to UEFA about the grass length ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg defeat earlier this month. Manager Hansi Flick was seen pointing toward the height of the turf when discussing the issue with a UEFA match delegate in his team’s final training session.
Pitch rules are in place. Article 34 of UEFA’s Champions League regulations states: ‘The home club must make every reasonable effort to ensure that the pitch is in the best possible condition for play. If the climatic conditions so require, facilities such as pitch heating and a pitch cover must be provided to ensure that the field of play is in a suitable condition on any match date.’
Though the stipulations are open-ended. ‘Every reasonable effort’? What that entails isn’t quite clear.
Daily Mail Sport visited the Metropolitano Stadium on Monday, where seven sprinklers were spraying the pitch over 48 hours before kick-off, which was baking in the heat. The pitch operation was fully underway, the turf being mowed, too, so long grass is unlikely to be a factor for Wednesday’s match.
Whether it will be slippy remains to be seen. A staff member told Daily Mail Sport: ‘Literally up to two minutes before kick-off, they will be wetting the pitch (with the sprinklers). It’s done to get more moisture into the pitch.’
For the Gunners, a slippy pitch would have direct consequences for a team reliant on possession. Mikel Arteta’s men, chiefly Martin Odegaard, like to zip the ball quickly to one another, waiting patiently for openings.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick raised concerns to UEFA about Atletico’s grass length ahead of his side’s quarter-final second-leg defeat
Killing the impetus of games by soaking up the pressure in midfield is a further element, particularly when ahead. A worry over slipping equates to more broken attacks and lost rhythm, which could hamper Bukayo Saka’s efforts to drive forward.
There were also patches on the turf which stood out, grass looking scuffed and could potentially get muddy when further watered. It certainly was different to the ‘carpet’ that is the Emirates which the north London club pristinely maintain for their players to enjoy, aiding the team’s ball retention playing style.
In fairness, there is little chance the Madrid side will be sympathising if Arsenal’s stars find conditions to be difficult. It’s their backyard. They are in control. In elite European competition, adaptability is often framed as a prerequisite rather than an excuse, and Atletico have long thrived on ensuring matches are played on their terms – both tactically and, increasingly, environmentally.
For Arteta’s side, the challenge is as much about composure as it is control. Keeping their footing – literally and figuratively – could define the tie. Lose that, and Atletico will be ready to pounce.
