At a Glance:
- Marcos Llorente hails Arsenal’s identity.
- Llorente claims Atletico Madrid “won the second half.”
- Diego Simeone lauds Arsenal’s squad depth.
Marcos Llorente shared his thoughts on Arsenal as as side after Atletico Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Mikel Arteta and Co in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
The Spanish international was at the front and centre of a controversy during the contest, as his volley stuck Ben White’s hand and led to the hosts eventually getting a penalty.
Jamie Carragher was angered by White’s handball and called such decisions a “stain” on the competition.
As Arsenal battled hard against Atletico Madrid, ultimately, the visitors can be content about clinching a draw away from home ahead of the second leg. Llorento gave his verdict on the Gunners, which reflected how much he respects them as a side.
Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorento praises Arsenal’s identity
Speaking to Movistar via Mundo Deportivo, Llorento initially admitted that Arsenal were better in the first half than his Atletico Madrid side.
“Everything is still open for the return leg. They won the first half and we won the second. That’s what we have to take away from this. We made things very difficult for them.
Llorento also felt that despite Atletico Madrid dominating the contest in the second 45, the hosts missed far too many clear-cut chances; accumulating an xG (Expected Goals) of 2.21 compared to Arsenal’s tally of 1.51.
| Stats | Atletico Madrid | Arsenal |
| Goals | 1 | 1 |
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Expected Goals | 2.21 | 1.51 |
| Big chances | 3 | 2 |
“If you don’t take your chances, you end up paying the price. The second half is the path we need to follow.
“We have to take more risks, going man-to-man and pressing high up the pitch.
However, Llorente praised Arsenal by stating that much like his Atletico Madrid side, they have a set identity in place, expecting a “battle” in the second leg: “We are two teams with very clear ideas and who know their strengths. Whoever is more efficient will win the match.”
Diego Simeone hails Arsenal’s squad after Champions League semi-final
Arsenal fans will be hoping that in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium, the hosts blow away Llorente and his Atletico Madrid side.
Arteta’s tactics worked against Atletico Madrid as he deployed Declan Rice as a number six, playing Martin Zubimendi further forward.
Diego Simeone lauded Arsenal and their squad depth after the game, saying via BeanymanSports: “Did you see the five players [Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Eberechi Eze, Christhian Mosquera and Gabriel Jesus] that were subbed on?
“Every time one of their players was subbed on, I said it, it’s true, they are very good. They have such a great squad and they’re competing at a very high level, otherwise, they wouldn’t have done it. They’ve only drawn one match [in the Champions League] and they’ve won the rest.
“So, I think they’re playing everything for this point in the Premier League too. The team is brilliant.”
