THE FUSE

In the build-up to the fixture, Simeone analysed Inter as one of the most complete sides in the competition and highlighted their attacking structure, depth, and character. At the same time, he contrasted Inter’s Champions League dominance - a perfect 12 points - with Atletico’s mixed league-stage campaign, which includes emphatic wins but damaging defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal. The pressure surrounding Atleti’s European fate, combined with Simeone’s remarks about his long-term future, ensured his comments rapidly became the focus of media attention in both Spain and Italy.