“Simeone booed after stepping on Arsenal’s emblem.”

Arsenal is experiencing moments of pure adrenaline and controversy following their historic victory that secured their place in the Champions League final, but the scene was not only marked by glory on the pitch. Diego Simeone, the iconic coach of Atlético Madrid, became the target of a barrage of boos and fierce criticism from the Gunners’ fans, who did not forgive a controversial gesture from the Argentine at the Emirates Stadium.

After the 1-0 victory, thanks to the decisive goal from Bukayo Saka, which closed the tie 2-1 in favor of Arsenal, a video began circulating on social media and caused a real uproar: Diego Simeone was caught stepping on the Arsenal emblem, emblazoned on the ground between the pitch and the changing rooms. This act provoked an immediate shock, especially considering that, in the first leg of the semi-final, the Argentine coach had shown visible irritation when Ben White stepped on the Atlético Madrid symbol at the Metropolitano Stadium.

In the captured moment, Simeone looks down before stepping on the Gunners’ emblem and quickly heads towards the players’ tunnel, while the crowd does not hide their indignation. Interestingly, most Atlético players avoided stepping on the Arsenal emblem, but José María Giménez also chose to ignore the symbol, provoking a direct reaction from the local fans.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, did not miss the opportunity to highlight the brutal impact that the energy and support of the Emirates fans had on the final result. “That box is now ticked, and we have to maintain it,” said the Spanish coach in a response filled with confidence and ambition. For Arteta, the team has entered a new dimension, where remaining among the European elite is an unavoidable goal: “Now we are at the level that I think a top club, which wants to consistently fight for the biggest trophies, has to be. We achieved it, now we have to maintain it.”

The Gunners’ manager keeps his feet firmly on the ground, warning of the need for emotional stability and focus for what is still to come. “The peak is not too high, the valley is not too low, my job is to be stable. I will enjoy this moment, everyone is enjoying it. Tomorrow we start preparing for the game on Sunday against West Ham, which will be an extremely difficult clash.”

The final stretch of the season promises to be an epic battle for Arsenal, who now have the chance to achieve a historic feat: the double title in the Premier League and the Champions League. The schedule is intense and challenging, with four decisive matches before the final in Budapest on May 30, where the Gunners will face a European giant – Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.

The next challenge will be against West Ham in London, where the Hammers are desperately fighting to avoid relegation. This will be followed by home games against Burnley and the final match away against Crystal Palace, before all focus turns to the final that could mark an era in English football.

This episode with Simeone and the fervor of Arsenal fans perfectly encapsulates an intense, emotional, and drama-filled knockout stage. Arsenal not only triumphed on the pitch but also demonstrated mental strength and an atmosphere that could be decisive in lifting the most coveted trophy in European football. Now, the pressure is on, and the world is watching London. Who will withstand it?

This article first appeared on Apito Final.