Atletico Madrid report fireworks incident outside London hotel ahead of Arsenal clash

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Atletico Madrid have reported an incident to UEFA after fireworks were set off outside their London hotel in the early hours of Tuesday morning, just hours before their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

The Spanish side’s players and coaching staff experienced a disrupted night when fireworks were detonated outside their Shoreditch hotel at approximately 1:30am.

According to the Evening Standard, Atletico have formally reported the incident to UEFA and raised concerns about how easily those responsible were able to approach the hotel.

However, UEFA has no jurisdiction over incidents that occur away from the stadium, meaning the matter would fall under the remit of local authorities and police rather than European football’s governing body.

Hotel switch from previous visit

The incident represents an unwelcome distraction for Diego Simeone’s side ahead of tonight’s decisive encounter at the Emirates Stadium. Atletico had stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Regents Park during their previous visit to London in October, when they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in the league phase of the Champions League.

This time, however, the Spanish club opted for accommodation in Shoreditch. When asked about the hotel change at his pre-match press conference, Simeone joked: “The hotel was cheaper. That’s why we changed.”

The squad arrived in London on Monday and trained at the Emirates Stadium in the afternoon, preparing for what promises to be one of the biggest nights in Arsenal’s recent history.

Arsenal in confident mood

The Gunners approach the second leg in buoyant spirits following their impressive 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, which represented their best Premier League performance in months. That positive momentum was further enhanced by Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Everton on Monday night, leaving Arsenal in control of the title race.

After last week’s 1-1 draw in Madrid, victory tonight would be sufficient to send Arsenal into the Champions League final for just the second time in the club’s history.

Arsenal supporters have organised events to greet both team coaches when they arrive at the Emirates between 5:45pm and 6:30pm. A large tifo display will also be unveiled in the East Stand before kick-off to help create an electric atmosphere for the occasion.

The incident adds an unwanted subplot to what was already shaping up to be a highly charged European semi-final, with both sides knowing that a place in the final awaits the victor.