Spanish media react as Arsenal subjected to official complaint

Arsenal humiliated Atletico Madrid with a 4-0 win during the Spanish side's Champions League visit to the Emirates Stadium, but that wasn't the only gruelling experience they endured in N5

Spanish media outlets have reacted to Atletico Madrid’s decision to lodge an official complaint against Arsenal to UEFA. The Gunners thrashed the La Liga giants 4-0 on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium, continuing their perfect start to the league phase of the Champions League.

After a cagey first half with big chances missed by both teams, Mikel Arteta’s side ran rampant between the 57th and 70th minute, scoring all four goals within a 14-minute period with contributions from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and a brace from Viktor Gyokeres.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone would not have been used to receiving such punishment, even against one of Europe’s top teams. The Argentine refused to make any excuses for the drubbing, but his side’s preparation did not go as smoothly as he expected the day before the fixture.

Atletico trained at the Emirates in typically rainy British weather on Monday night as part of their preparations. However, the players were unable to take hot showers due to a plumbing issue that affected both the home and away dressing rooms.

Atleti staff alerted Arsenal to the problem at 6.45pm on Monday while their players were training. The matter was reportedly solved 40 minutes before the training session was scheduled to end, but the Spanish side finished training early and opted to return to their hotel to shower afterwards.

They have since filed an official complaint against the Gunners, claiming they were made to wait for around an hour. Arsenal, who apologised for the inconvenience, say they solved the issue within 40 minutes of being made aware of it.

According to UEFA regulations, “stadiums must be equipped with… showers with hot water” in order to host Champions League matches. The Spanish press, even before Atletico’s annihilation at the hands of the north London side, were quick to report Simeone and the club’s outrage.

AS wrote: “The Atleti team is baffled 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.”

Another publication, Mundo Deportivo, said before the fixture: “The task is complicated, but Atletico, 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.”

Meanwhile, Marca reported: “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.”

However, COPE reported that Atletico president Enrique Cerezo downplayed the incident, saying “it’s not a big deal,” and even joked that his players “would be better off”.

When asked if such an incident could ever occur at the Metropolitano Stadium, he proudly retorted: “It's unbelievable that you're asking me that question. You can't ask the best stadium in the world whether it has hot or cold water.”