Fabio Capello was highly impressed with Arsenal’s performance in their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, declaring the Gunners to be the superior side in all facets of the game. However, he singled out the unwavering support of the Arsenal fans as “the most beautiful thing” about their victory.
Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League final for the first time in two decades with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. This result cemented a 2-1 aggregate scoreline, advancing Mikel Arteta’s team to face the winner of the other semi-final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking on Sky Sport Italia, Capello elaborated on his assessment of Arsenal’s dominance over the two legs. “They were the more complete side with more personality,” he stated. “When they wanted to keep possession, they did, and the same when they wanted to press. Arsenal always had it within them.”
The decisive goal came from an opportunistic finish by England international Bukayo Saka, sending Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006.
While acknowledging the goal, Capello noted a defensive lapse on the rebound. “It was a nice goal, but there was a bit of carelessness in defense on the rebound,” he commented. “But, for me, the most beautiful thing was the crowd, who endured the tension until the very end and then had the opportunity to celebrate after 20 years.”
English Translation:
Fabio Capello believes Arsenal were the better team in every aspect of their Champions League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid. However, he considers the unwavering support of the Gunners’ fans to be “the most beautiful thing” about their victory.
Arsenal have reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years following a 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, securing a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now compete against the winner of the other semi-final between Bayern Munich and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Capello, present in the Sky Sport Italia studio for the coverage, explained why he felt Arsenal were the superior team across both legs. “They were the more complete side with more personality,” Capello remarked. “When they wanted to hold possession, they did, and the same when they wanted to press. Arsenal always had the capability.”
The winning goal was a tap-in from England international Bukayo Saka, propelling Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006.
“It was a good goal, but there was a bit of carelessness in defense on the rebound,” Capello said. “However, the most beautiful thing for me was the crowd, who suffered until the very end and then had the chance to celebrate after 20 years.”