Spain’s media outlets have offered their take after Atletico Madrid lodged a complaint against Arsenal ahead of their Champions League league phase clash.
Atletico take on Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates on Tuesday, and it’s fair to say they didn’t receive a warm welcome to north London, quite literally.
Diego Simeone’s side held a training session at the Emirates Stadium on Monday in typical rainy British weather.
But, to the surprise of the Atletico camp, the side were unable to take hot showers in the dressing rooms after their session due to a plumbing issue.
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The La Liga outfit then reportedly filed an official complaint against the Premier League side as they claimed they were made to wait for around an hour, while Arsenal say the issue was resolved within 40 minutes of them knowing.
The Gunners apologised to Atletico’s staff for the inconvenience caused.
According to UEFA regulations, “stadiums must be equipped with… showers with hot water” in order to host Champions League matches.
The match will be Atletico’s second in England during the 2025/26 campaign, having previously lost 3-2 against Liverpool at Anfield.
And despite Arsenal claiming to have swiftly sorted out the shower issue, the Spanish media were still quick to give their take on the matter with some reporting that the club from the Spanish capital were left angry.
AS wrote: “The Atleti team is incomprehensible, why a field of such high quality doesn't offer the minimum facilities for its players to shower after training.
“The anger among the Red and White squad was enormous. This was further amplified by the fact that part of the training session was held in the rain, forcing the players to rush to the bus and, from there, to the team hotel, a 45-minute journey, in disbelief that this event could happen in a world-class venue like the Emirates Stadium.”
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo added: “The task is complicated, but Atlético, angry after not being able to shower before the match because there was no hot water at the venue, wants to test itself against Arsenal, and at the Emirates, to see where it stands in its search for a much-needed victory.”
Marca claimed: “The Red and Whites don't understand why a modern venue like the Emirates, and in a tournament like the Champions League, doesn't have something so basic.”
Come kick-off the error will quickly be forgotten as both side’s look for three points in what promises to be a hugely entertaining affair between two skilful but also combative teams.
Ahead of the clash, Arsenal sit fifth in the 36-team league phase with a perfect record of two wins from two, while Atleti are tenth, having won one – a 5-1 home victory against Eintracht Frankfurt - and lost one – against Liverpool.
Topics: Champions League, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Football, Mikel Arteta, Diego Simeone
Luke Davies