Barcelona forward Raphinha delivered a bold message to Atletico Madrid fans after their team’s 3-2 aggregate victory eliminated his side from the Champions League. He predicted Atletico will fall short against Arsenal in the semi-finals, should the Gunners advance past Sporting CP.
Raphinha’s Pitchside Gesture
Atletico Madrid secured their spot with a 2-1 win over Barcelona in the second leg, despite the Catalans’ efforts under Hansi Flick. As Atletico supporters celebrated, Raphinha walked onto the pitch, pointed at the taunting crowd, and thrust his thumb backward, signaling their impending semi-final exit.
Champions League Draw Sets Up Arsenal-Atletico Clash
Arsenal hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg against Sporting CP and enter the second leg as favorites. A draw or win at home propels them into a semi-final against Diego Simeone’s Atletico, six months after Arsenal’s dominant 4-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and a Viktor Gyokores double sealed that result.
Bookmakers likely favor Arsenal if they progress, given their prior dominance. The Brazilian winger, who nearly joined Arsenal before choosing Barcelona, watched helplessly as his team crashed out.
Arteta Fires Up Arsenal Squad
Arsenal’s recent 1-0 home loss to Bournemouth tempered excitement from Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time winner in Lisbon. At Tuesday’s press conference, Mikel Arteta rallied his players and fans, declaring: “Fire! I’m on fire. I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else. I’m dreaming so much. I’ve done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. I’ve done so much against anything that this is beauty.”
He added: “I just see beauty, opportunity, and I want to get it done for all these people that have been in this journey with us. And because they deserve it, because it’s been unbelievable. That’s what has driven me every single day. I have zero fear. Fear I had when, ‘Oh, if we don’t get this done, this club, I don’t know what is going to happen.’ That was fear. Now, there’s no fear. It’s just purpose, fire, direction and conviction that we’re going to do it.”
