Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak has conceded that Arsenal fully merited their place in the Champions League final following his team’s elimination on Tuesday night. The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory over the Spanish side, courtesy of an early first-half goal from Bukayo Saka, which proved sufficient to end their two-decade wait for a final appearance.
Oblak, whose error inadvertently gifted Saka the goal, acknowledged that Mikel Arteta’s side were the superior outfit over both legs. Speaking to the media post-match, the Slovenian echoed his manager Diego Simeone’s sentiment that Arsenal were the better team across the tie.
“The team that wins is always the best. They won, so congratulations to them. Naturally, we feel disappointment and frustration, but that is football,” Oblak stated. He added that Atletico showed too much respect in the first half and were hesitant to play their natural game. “The second period was better. Maybe we showed them too much respect initially and were scared to play. It improved later, but it wasn’t enough to reach the final. It is unfortunate for us and we are disappointed, but that is life. Arsenal were superior, and they are in the final.”