Atletico ‘craft’ not enough against ‘formidable Arsenal’, says Spanish report | OneFootball

Spanish daily La Vanguardia described Arsenal as “formidable” and “the phenomenon of the year” after Mikel Arteta’s side dismantled Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Emirates, praising their dominance while admitting that Diego Simeone’s trademark “craft” was powerless against the Premier League leaders.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

In a report headlined “Arsenal’s millions crush Atlético,” journalist Sergio Heredia wrote that Simeone’s experience and intensity were “not always valid, or [will work] against every rival,” adding pointedly, “It is not valid, for example, against this formidable Arsenal.”

The article hailed Arsenal’s complete control over one of Europe’s most rugged sides, describing them as “colossal in their league, ambitious in the Champions League,” and noting that “for an hour Atlético resisted, but Arsenal stunned them, with their electric wingers and their endless movement.”

La Vanguardia credited Arsenal’s recruitment under Arteta, highlighting the investments in Martin Zubimendi, Ebere Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, and Noni Madueke (out injured) as part of the transformation into an “intimidating” and “luxury” side that has “won everything, three out of three” in the Champions League.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The Catalan paper detailed how Gabriel Magalhães’s header from Declan Rice’s delivery “marked the beginning of the end,” as Atletico “definitively disintegrated, swallowing a 4-0 in 13 minutes.” Gabriel Martinelli and Gyökeres followed, the latter scoring twice to end his mini-goal drought and complete the rout.

Heredia described Arsenal’s second-half display as a “storm,” adding that “Atletico ended up bursting” under relentless pressure from “hunters” like Martinelli and Jurrien Timber, who “cut through the lanes like daggers.”

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The report painted Simeone as a “nervous wrecker” on the touchline, “shouting, spitting and suffering,” unable to halt a side whose pace, control, and talent overwhelmed his players.

Even with its touch of theatrical flourish, the Spanish reaction was one of respect. “The craft was not enough,” La Vanguardia concluded. “Against this Arsenal, no trick, no experience, no resistance could hold.”

Atletico’s defeat was their heaviest in the Champions League, while Arsenal’s win extended their perfect European start and strengthened their position alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the top of the new league-format table.