3 reasons why Atletico Madrid will advance to the UEFA Europa League finals
A victory for Arsenal was seemingly the final result of the match when Alexandre Lacazette put the ball past Jan Oblak. Unfortunately, at the 81st minute, Lacazette's international team-mate, Antoine Griezmann scored at the other end.
Atletico Madrid started off as the weaker side as they sat back to defend while Arsenal dominated possession and was engrossed in taking an early lead. The Gunners had an advantage when Sime Vrsaljko was sent off in the 9th minute of the game. With an extra man, Arsenal threw bodies forward to attack and looked like they were about the score anytime.
Perhaps, luck was not with the Gunners as both sides finished with a 1-1 draw at the Emirates. The Premier League's sixth-placed team now faces an uphill task on Thursday as they have to battle hard to qualify for the finals. The odds are certainly not in their favour as Atletico Madrid are highly probable to be one of the teams playing in Lyon in May.
#3 Atletico Madrid have a superb form at home
Under Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid have a remarkable defensive record. Arsenal struggled to get past the defenders on Thursday night and with Jan Oblak performing up to the mark, the Gunners could only slot a goal home.
At the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid's new home, the Spanish team has conceded just four goals. Besides that, the Atletico defenders have not let in a home goal in their last 11 games. Arsenal remain the highest goalscoring team in Europa, but in reality, the English side has struggled when playing away from home.
Simeone's side played with ten men for over 80 minutes of the match as they were as good as having the full strength. Losing their right-back after a double yellow card in the beginning stages of the match, Atletico Madrid focused on their defensive duties. They stood around the box and tracked the runs of every Arsenal player, leaving the likes of Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey very little space to run.
The Gunners have their goalscoring problems away from home and it will involve a great deal of effort to break the stubborn defence of the La Liga team.