“Simeone Explains Hotel Switch Ahead of Arsenal Clash”

Diego Simeone has revealed that Atlético Madrid’s decision to change hotels ahead of their crucial clash with Arsenal was not due to superstition—but simply down to cost.

Speaking before the Champions League semi-final second leg in London, Simeone joked that the new accommodation was chosen because “the hotel was cheaper”, dismissing speculation that the move was linked to bad luck from a previous stay. 

Reports had suggested Atlético switched hotels because they stayed at a different one during their earlier visit to London—when they suffered a heavy 4–0 defeat to Arsenal. That led to talk of superstition or an attempt to avoid repeating negative memories. 

However, Simeone played down those ideas with humor, while also stressing that his team is in a better place now than earlier in the season and fully focused on the task ahead. 

Bottom line:

Hotel change sparked speculation about superstition

Simeone dismissed it jokingly

Real reason given: it was cheaper

Focus remains on performance, not external factors