Arsenal‘s set-piece practices are routinely attributed to the dark arts. A brawl in the box, some would conclude.
Diego Simeone‘s manual of deviousness, though, is a different level of chicanery. He is a pioneer of the craft, tracing back to his playing days. Just ask David Beckham, who was on the end of his antics at the 1998 World Cup, sent off for kicking the Argentina midfielder; Simeone later said he simulated an injury to get Beckham sent off.
This sort of outlook is why Arsenal must be on red alert for a hostile battle in Atletico Madrid‘s backyard for Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final first leg, which will test as much about their mental fortitude, as their playing abilities.
A compact, defensive style reliant on soaking up pressure, Atletico are tough to beat at home in Europe in front of a loud, passionate fanbase. It’s the mental disintegration of opponents through crafty tactics, though, that has been utilised to overcome opponents. Tactical fouls and time-wasting are part of the package.
Yet, what the Gunners will be particularly aware of is the controversial pitch, which has been to the dismay of Atletico’s recent victims in Europe. Last month, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium turf stymied Tottenham in their 5-2 first leg defeat by the Spanish side in the Champions League round of 16.
Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, leaving the field in tears, substituted after 17 minutes having made a series of clangers, endured a nightmare evening he may never forget. He twice lost his footing to gift goals to Marcos Llorente and Julian Alvarez. Sandwiched between those strikes was a Micky van de Ven slip, Antoine Griezmann capitalising to score.
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.
