Diego Simeone, the manic man in black who embodies Atletico Madrid. �s burning desire to return to the Champions League final, can finally exhale. On...
Diego Simeone, the manic man in black who embodies Atletico Madrid. �s burning desire to return to the Champions League final, can finally exhale. On a night of extreme tension and the tiniest of margins, the Spanish giants survived a late scare against Arsenal, thanks to a decision that swung the pendulum of fortune back in their favour. As referee Danny Makkelie strode to the pitchside monitor to review what could have been a second penalty for the Gunners, the entire Metropolitano Stadium held its breath. When the Dutch official crossed the line back onto the turf, signalling that no spot kick would be awarded for David Hancko. �s challenge on Eberechi Eze, the relief was palpable. Simeone, who had been patrolling the touchline like a restless spirit in his all black kit, followed him onto the pitch, pushing Hancko and Johnny Cardoso with the force of a man who had just been granted a reprieve. In the end, this was a tale of two penalties, not three. Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez coolly converted theirs from twelve yards, while Leandro Trossard never got the chance to take his. The Arsenal forward stood by the spot, ball tucked under his arm, waiting in vain. Upon a second, third, or even thirteenth glance, Makkelie decided that Hancko. �s studs on boot challenge was not enough to warrant another penalty. Hancko, who had also given away the first spot kick, escaped further punishment, aside from Simeone. �s forceful shove. At the end of the day, the powers that be in Madrid will count their blessings, while the Gunners will rue what might have been. The lion. �s share of the credit must go to Atletico. �s resilience, but there is no denying that fortune, that fickle companion, finally favoured the Colchoneros after years of heartbreak in Europe. Back home in Nigeria, the chatter at viewing centres in Surulere and Wuse will be endless. Fans draped in Arsenal red will be shaking their heads, lamenting the referee. �s decision and wondering what could have been if Trossard had taken that kick. Meanwhile, supporters of Atletico, perhaps with a soft spot for the Super Eagles. � past heroes like Obinna Nsofor who once played in Spain, will be celebrating this narrow escape. The debate over whether Hancko. �s challenge was worthy of a penalty will rage on, but for now, Simeone can breathe again.
