The Reason Atlético Madrid Changed Hotel Ahead of Arsenal Showdown
- Diego Simeone confirmed Atlético Madrid switched hotels in London ahead of their clash with Arsenal, joking it was to save money
- The move follows their previous heavy defeat at the London Marriott Hotel Regents Park, with the team now staying at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch
- Meanwhile, Julián Álvarez is set to return from injury for the decisive second leg after missing recent matches
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
Diego Simeone has disclosed that Atlético Madrid have switched hotels ahead of their crucial clash, and joked the decision was made to save money.
The Spanish side, currently tied 1-1 with Arsenal after the first leg, are preparing for Tuesday’s decisive encounter.
Source: Getty Images
Why Atlético changed hotel before Arsenal tie
Atleti had previously stayed at the London Marriott Hotel Regents Park before suffering a 4-0 defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side during the league phase in October.
However, for this high-stakes semi-final, they have moved across London to the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch.
Reports suggested Simeone ordered the switch to avoid any bad luck associated with their previous heavy defeat at the same venue. But the Argentine coach played down those claims with a light-hearted response.
“We are doing better than in October, and the hotel was cheaper! That’s why we changed,” he said with a smile via Mirror Football.
Meanwhile, former Manchester City forward Julián Álvarez, who scored from the penalty spot and impressed in the first leg, looks set to recover from injury in time to start at the Emirates Stadium.
Álvarez, who Simeone previously disclosed has attracted interest from Arsenal, was unable to complete the first leg and also missed Atleti’s 2-0 win over Valencia CF last Saturday.
Source: Getty Images
Simeone underlined the forward’s importance ahead of the return leg.
“Julián Álvarez is important in this game because he knows the English league very well. He played really well last week, and I hope he can bring what he needs in the game tomorrow,” he said via The Independent.
The Argentina international, who has scored 20 goals for Atlético this season, has travelled with the squad to London.
Álvarez etched his name into UEFA Champions League history by becoming the fastest Argentine to reach 25 goals in the competition.
The 26-year-old achieved the milestone during Atlético Madrid’s 1-1 draw with the Gunners in their semi-final first leg on April 29, 2026.
Álvarez converted from the penalty spot to cancel out Viktor Gyökeres’ opener in a tense and controversial clash at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Beyond the late penalty drama, his strike in Europe’s elite club competition took his tally to 25 goals in just 41 appearances.
With the second leg set for May 5 at the Emirates Stadium, all eyes will be on Álvarez to see if he can build on his record-breaking form and push Atlético to their first final since 2016.
Why Atlético fans threw toilet paper
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Atletico fans created a striking atmosphere by throwing toilet paper rolls onto the pitch as a show of support.
The display, driven by the club’s ultras group Frente Atlético and inspired by Argentine football culture, was aimed at lifting the home side.
Source: YEN.com.gh
