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An Arsenal correspondent has written a pre-match column ahead of Arsenal's preparation for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal's set-piece tactics are often criticized as "dirty tricks," with some even asserting they resemble a brawl inside the penalty area.
However, Diego Simeone's "playbook of deception" goes far beyond that. He is a pioneer in this field, honing his craft dating back to his playing days. Just ask David Beckham, who was sent off during the 1998 World Cup for kicking the Argentine midfielder after falling victim to Simeone's "mischief." Simeone later admitted that he had feigned injury to get Beckham dismissed.
Based on this perception, Arsenal must remain extremely vigilant for Wednesday night's first leg at Atletico Madrid's home ground. This match will test not only their technical skills but also their psychological resilience.
Atletico Madrid boast a solid defensive setup, relying on absorbing pressure to consolidate their backline. In European competitions, facing passionate home crowds, they prove extremely difficult to defeat. However, their true weapon for overcoming opponents lies in using sophisticated tactics to break down the opposition's psychological defenses. Tactical fouls and time-wasting are common tools in their arsenal.
What should particularly concern the Gunners, though, is the controversial pitch that has plagued Atletico's recent European opponents. Last month, in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Tottenham Hotspur suffered a heavy defeat on the grass of the Cívitas Metropolitano, losing 2-5 to the Spanish side.
Goalkeeper Antonín Kinský was substituted after a series of catastrophic errors just 17 minutes into the match, breaking down in tears afterward following a nightmare evening he is unlikely to forget. He slipped twice, gifting goals to Marcos Llorente and Julián Álvarez respectively.
Between those two goals, Mickey van de Ven also slipped, allowing Antoine Griezmann to seize the opportunity and score.
While Kinský certainly made mistakes, the pitch conditions also came under scrutiny. After the match, Griezmann stated, "Atletico took advantage of some of errors. The pitch was very slippery, and we're more used to these conditions." His words spoke volumes—and this was not the only recent controversy surrounding the playing surface.
Before their defeat in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this month, Barcelona had raised concerns with UEFA about the pitch height. Manager Hansi Flick was photographed pointing to the grass length while discussing the issue with UEFA match delegates during the team's final training session.
Rules regarding pitch conditions are in place. UEFA Champions League Rule 34 states: “Furthermore, the home club must make every reasonable effort to ensure the pitch is in optimal playing condition. Where climatic conditions require it, facilities such as pitch heating and pitch covers must be provided to ensure the playing surface is suitable on any match day.”
However, the relevant regulations lack clear definition. What exactly does "make every reasonable effort" mean? This remains ambiguous.
The correspondent visited the Metropolitano on Monday, when the stadium was scorched by high temperatures, with seven sprinklers continuously watering the lawn within 48 hours before kick-off. Intensive pitch maintenance work was underway, including grass cutting, so long grass is unlikely to pose a problem for Wednesday's match.
Whether the pitch will be slippery remains to be seen.
A staff member told the correspondent: “They will water the pitch with sprinklers about two minutes before kick-off. This is done to increase the humidity of the grass.”
For Arsenal, a slippery pitch would directly impact a team that relies heavily on ball possession. Mikel Arteta's side, particularly Martin Ødegaard, favor quick passing and patiently waiting for opportunities to emerge.
Another crucial factor will be the midfield's ability to alleviate and stop Atletico's pressing as much as possible, thereby killing the game's momentum—especially if they take the lead. The fear of slipping could lead to more tentative attacking play and disrupted rhythm, potentially hindering Bukayo Saka's forward momentum.
There are also noticeable patches on the pitch that appear worn, which could turn muddy if watered further. This stands in stark contrast to the carpet-like smoothness of the Emirates Stadium pitch, which the North London club meticulously maintains to provide players with comfortable playing conditions that facilitate their possession-based tactics.
To be fair, Atletico Madrid are unlikely to show sympathy if Arsenal's star players struggle to adapt to the pitch conditions.
After all, this is their home ground, and they control the match environment. In top European competitions, adaptability is generally regarded as an essential requirement rather than an excuse. Atletico have long excelled at controlling the game's rhythm—both tactically and environmentally, with the latter becoming increasingly important.
For Arteta's team, the challenge lies not only in controlling the match but also in maintaining composure. The ability to keep their footing—both literally and figuratively—could determine the outcome of this match. Once they lose this advantage, Atletico will be ready to pounce.