Koke’s stomach in knots as Atletico Madrid face Arsenal in Champions League semifinal

Key facts

• Koke, 34, has played in four Champions League semifinals for Atletico Madrid.
• Atletico Madrid face Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.
• Koke’s midfield partner Pablo Barrios is out for a month with a thigh injury.
• Atletico coach Diego Simeone turned 56 on Tuesday.
• Atletico have never won the Champions League; they lost finals in 2014 and 2016 to Real Madrid.
• Last year, Atletico were eliminated by Real Madrid after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was controversially disallowed.
• This is Atletico’s first Champions League semifinal since 2017.
• Arsenal are Premier League leaders under Mikel Arteta.

Nerves and excitement before the first leg

Atletico Madrid captain Koke admitted his nerves are jangling ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal. The veteran midfielder will lead out the Rojiblancos at the Metropolitano against Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders. “When the date draws near, your stomach is in knots, like when you have a first date with the girl you like,” Koke told reporters on Tuesday. “Once you start warming up, it all goes away. You play with the excitement of playing a semi-final.” This is Atletico’s first appearance in the semifinals since 2017, and the club has never won the European Cup.

Koke’s history in the Champions League

Koke, now 34, played in both of Atletico’s Champions League final defeats to rivals Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016. Despite his age, he said he is not thinking about this potentially being his last chance at winning the trophy. “I don’t feel it like that — I’m enjoying this season a huge amount, you don’t get to the Champions League semis every year,” Koke explained. “I’ve had the luck that this is the fourth semifinal I’ll be able to play... I don’t know if I’ll play another one, but I know that I will enjoy it like I did the others.” He has been a key figure in Diego Simeone’s system for over a decade.

Barrios injury and team impact

Koke will be without midfield partner Pablo Barrios after a thigh injury ruled him out for the next month. “It’s not just me who will miss him, but the whole team, he’s a hugely important player for us,” said the Spain international. Barrios’ absence forces Simeone to adjust his midfield, likely giving more minutes to Rodrigo De Paul or Axel Witsel.

Simeone’s birthday and perspective

Atletico coach Diego Simeone, celebrating his 56th birthday on Tuesday, said he had no special wishes. “I just have pure gratitude, I have the chance to be with my (family)... I’m not in a position to ask for absolutely anything, just to be thankful and enjoy what comes to me in this life,” said Simeone. The Argentine has led Atletico for over 14 years, transforming them into perennial contenders.

Past heartbreak and the search for luck

Simeone does not believe his team are owed anything despite their misfortune in the Champions League, including last year’s elimination by Real Madrid after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was controversially disallowed for a supposed double touch. “I don’t think anyone owes us anything, things are deserved and achieved, and for that you have to work and search for them, and obviously you need luck on your side too,” added the coach. Atletico have often fallen short in Europe’s biggest moments, but Simeone insists the path forward is through effort, not entitlement.

What lies ahead for Atletico

The first leg against Arsenal sets the stage for a decisive tie. Arsenal, under Arteta, have been dominant in the Premier League but face a stern test against Simeone’s disciplined side. Koke’s experience and leadership will be crucial as Atletico seek to overcome their semifinal hurdle and reach the final for the first time since 2016. The return leg in London will determine who advances to the final in Munich.

The bottom line

• Koke will lead Atletico in their first Champions League semifinal since 2017, with the club still seeking its first title.
• Midfielder Pablo Barrios is out for a month with a thigh injury, a significant loss for Atletico.
• Diego Simeone, celebrating his 56th birthday, emphasized gratitude and the need for luck alongside hard work.
• Atletico have lost two finals to Real Madrid and were controversially eliminated by them last year.
• The first leg against Arsenal is at home, with the return leg in London.