Mikel Arteta appeared before the media after Arsenal qualified for the Champions League final and was direct when asked about the controversial possible penalty move on Antoine Griezmann in the second half.
The Spanish coach did not want to get into controversies and defended the performance of referee Daniel Siebert. “It was very good, I don’t think there was anything”Arteta responded about the referee, closing the issue forcefully while the Colchoneros fans continued to demand Calafiori’s penalty on the French striker.
The controversial play came at minute 57 of the second half when Calafiori stepped on Griezmann inside the area after a challenge between Pubill and Gabriel Magalhaes. The referee did not call a penalty when he pointed out an alleged previous foul by Pubill on Gabriel, which prevented the intervention of the VAR. Referee Iturralde González, consulted live during the match, was clear in his analysis. “The key is if the foul is blown before the stomp, because if the foul is blown before the stomp is blown, the VAR cannot come in. What is clear is that Calafiori stepped on Griezmann,” said the former referee, who also ruled out that there had been a previous foul by Pubill on Gabriel, which in his opinion would have led to a penalty for Atlético.
Beyond the controversy, Arteta did not hide his emotion for his team’s historic classification. “It has been an incredible night. We have made history together. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who works at this club. The atmosphere has been special, I have never felt this in this stadium. After twenty years we are in the Champions League final,” said the Spanish coach, visibly excited after the final whistle at the Emirates Stadium.
📸 Calafiori marches on Griezmann’s foot… penalty pass! 🤯#ARSATM #UCL pic.twitter.com/MMPRO3ztR1
— Foot Mercato (@footmercato) May 5, 2026
A down-to-earth joy
Arteta also reminded his players and fans that the season is not over and that there are important goals ahead. Arsenal are three wins away from winning their first Premier League in 22 years and the manager was clear about the need to stay focused. “It’s great, let’s enjoy the moment, but in four days we have another game,” Arteta said in reference to Sunday’s duel against West Ham United, vital in the fight for the Premier title.
Arsenal will play the Champions League final on May 30 at the Puskás Arena in Budapest, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Bayern Munich and PSG that will be played this Wednesday, May 6 at the Allianz Arena.
It will be the second European final in the history of the London club, the first since they lost to Barcelona in Paris in 2006, and the opportunity for the Gunners to become new European champions for the first time in their history.