Behind Closed Doors: Atletico's Fury Over Arsenal Exit and Jesus Flashpoint

Arsenal have booked their ticket to the Champions League final for the first time in two decades, but the manner of their exit from the competition has left Atletico Madrid absolutely fuming behind the scenes.

Bukayo Saka's 44th-minute strike proved decisive as the Gunners claimed a 1-0 victory on the night and a 2-1 aggregate triumph to secure their place in Budapest on May 30, where they'll face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain. It wasn't exactly a vintage display from Mikel Arteta's men, but they got the job done when it mattered.

In the immediate aftermath, Diego Simeone struck a remarkably philosophical tone, suggesting the Spanish outfit had been deservedly beaten. Don't believe the public relations exercise, though. Spanish media outlets report that Atletico's players and backroom staff are privately convinced they've been on the wrong end of a significant injustice.

The grievance list is lengthy. A potential penalty involving Antoine Griezmann in the second half went unpunished, with Simeone, Jan Oblak, and Koke all seemingly brushing over the incident. More broadly, Atletico's frustrations trace back to the first leg in London, where complaints about pitch dimensions and opposition supporters setting off fireworks near their hotel only added to the tension.

Then there's the officiating question. Daniel Siebert's appointment as referee raised eyebrows from the outset—the German has overseen three previous Champions League matches against English opposition without recording a single victory, whilst Arsenal boast a perfect three-from-three record under his watch. Bastian Dankert's placement as VAR official only deepened suspicions, with the official's track record showing just one victory across seven Champions League fixtures he's managed. That solitary success came when Real Madrid won on penalties, a match marred by the controversial double touch from Julián Alvarez that forced UEFA to reclarify the handball regulations. Atletico have now exited the competition on two occasions with Dankert overseeing proceedings.

The post-match drama only amplified Madrid's sense of grievance. As celebrations erupted, Marc Pubill attempted to shove an unsuspecting Viktor Gyokeres from behind. The intervention sparked an ugly moment when Gabriel Jesus appeared to slap Pubill across the face, with Cristhian Mosquera also reacting furiously. Mosquera subsequently ushered Pubill away from the flashpoint whilst Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice worked to calm tensions.

For Arsenal, it's onwards to the final and the prospect of a domestic and European double. For Atletico, it's the bitter taste of elimination—and plenty to grumble about in the privacy of their Wanda Metropolitano offices.