sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Wesley Sneijder wanted to call UEFA 35 minutes into Arsenal vs Atletico with outrageous demand

Home> Football> Football News> Arsenal

Published 07:58 6 May 2026 GMT+1

Wesley Sneijder wanted to call UEFA 35 minutes into Arsenal vs Atletico with outrageous demand

Arsenal have reached their first Champions League final since 2006.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Wesley Sneijder summed up his feelings on the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid by stating he wanted to make an outrageous plea to UEFA.

The Gunners progressed to their first Champions League final with a 1-0 second-leg victory over Atletico.

Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game on 44 minutes for Arsenal, who defended stoically late on to hold on to their advantage.

It wasn't a Champions League classic in the purest sense of the word - certainly not in comparison to PSG's 5-4 win over Bayern Munich last week - but this was always expected to be a more attritional match-up.

Advert

Arsenal will face either PSG or Bayern in the final in Budapest, with their semi-final second leg taking place on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal will contest their first Champions League final since 2006 (Image: Getty)
Arsenal will contest their first Champions League final since 2006 (Image: Getty)

Though the Gunners led at half-time at the Emirates Stadium, former Inter Milan star Sneijder - who won the Champions League in 2010 - had finally had enough.

Sneijder savages Arsenal vs Atletico

During Dutch station Ziggo Sport's coverage, Sneijder spoke out and claimed that, just before Arsenal scored, he wanted UEFA to call the game off.

"I wanted to call UEFA after 35 minutes to cancel the game," he said. "To make them tell the players to leave the pitch and announce Bayern Munich vs PSG as the Champions League final."

He added post-match (via AS): "Watching Arsenal against Atletico Madrid didn't feel like a Champions League semi-final. It lacked intensity, creativity and real quality in the final third.

"In the final, I find it very hard to imagine them troubling a team like PSG or Bayern Munich.

"Based on what we saw tonight, it would be an easy win for either of them.

"At this level, you expect drama and top-class soccer, but this was far from that."

But he did reserve some credit for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, stating: "This gentleman... I can't say it often enough, people. But he deserves a statue already.

"With this team, it is so impressive to reach the final. Leaving all the other world-class teams behind you. I think that is very impressive."

While Sneijder's feelings are obviously clear, it has been suggested elsewhere that Arsenal's more structured system and style may make them the perfect opponent to take on and beat a PSG or a Bayern.

Before the final in Budapest, though, they have the end of the Premier League title race to focus on.

Manchester City's 3-3 draw at Everton means that, if the Gunners win all three of their remaining fixtures against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace, they will be crowned Premier League champions for the first time since 2004.

They will then contest their first Champions League final since 2006, when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Atletico Madrid, Champions League, UEFA

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Recommended reads

Man Utd's 15 transfer targets to fill four key positions as at least six prepare to leaveGetty ImagesDennis Taylor interview: Why snooker legend is playing in brand-new event... and how he saved someone's lifeGettyRanking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridarts

Advert

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
9 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    8 hours ago

    'They've not won it yet' - Wayne Rooney warns Arsenal about what they did after reaching Champions League final

    Mikel Arteta's side are on course for an historic double season, but there is still plenty of work to do.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    9 hours ago

    Fans reach instant verdict on Atletico Madrid penalty controversy during Arsenal defeat

    Fans have had their say on the 'stonewall' penalty that Atletico Madrid were denied in their Champions League clash with Arsenal.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    9 hours ago

    Diego Simeone clashes with Arsenal director in tense end to Champions League semi-final

    Mikel Arteta's side hung on to secure a place in the Champions League final with help from a former Atletico Madrid man.

    Football
  • Getty
    9 hours ago

    Arsenal make Champions League history with landmark win over Atlético

    The Gunners progressed to the Champions League final with a 1–0 win over their Spanish opponents.

    Football
  • Arsenal made unusual last-minute request to UEFA hours before Atletico Madrid clash
  • Fans reach instant verdict on Atletico Madrid penalty controversy during Arsenal defeat
  • Arsenal agree player transfer hours before Atletico Madrid game
  • Fans do instant 180 on Arsenal player after seeing performance vs Atletico