Atletico suffers setback before Arsenal match: Sleep lost due to Barrios

72 hours prior to welcoming Arsenal for the Champions League semifinal first leg at the Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways following defeats in seven of their previous eight games.

Simeone's team overturned a 0-1 deficit against Athletic Bilbao with goals from Griezmann and a brace from Sorloth. It was a bittersweet triumph due to Barrios' injury in the 58th minute, who was expected to be a key star in Wednesday night's crucial match.

Atletico won at a moment when the team needed a morale boost before facing the opponent from the land of fog. In reality, they have just lost something very important: Barrios, once again. Just minutes before completing his allocated 60 minutes of play in this warm-up match for tomorrow's Champions League fixture—the only truly significant battle for Rojiblancos.

Compared to the loss against Elche three days earlier, the Argentine strategist deployed his strongest lineup, except for keeping Julian Alvarez, hoping to boost the players' morale. However, the injury to the midfielder wearing number 8, who hasn't yet regained his peak form, has caused considerable concern for Simeone.

The 23-year-old midfielder consistently displayed visionary play, defensive-breaking ability, dynamism, and excellent ball control, enabling Atletico to operate optimally. His performance against Bilbao up until the injury demonstrated why he is anticipated as a savior. He led a team with long-established stars and icons like Griezmann and Koke, playing with greater determination and passion. He was also the orchestrator who "set up" the two situations leading to goals by Griezmann and Sorloth, helping the home team reverse the final score to 3-2.

Yet this victory is as cruel and bitter as the defeat against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final, because they have nothing left to fight for in La Liga—whether finishing third or fourth, Simeone's team has already secured Champions League qualification next season—but the footballing loss Barrios leaves behind is irreplaceable in any way.

"Life throws challenges at Atletico (Barrios' injury) and we must learn from it," Simeone said calmly, but his face couldn't hide the worry. A similar sentiment could be felt from Griezmann and many others in the dressing room.

It's too early to say Barrios' injury has knocked out Rojiblancos against Arsenal, but Atletico has fought throughout the season seemingly only to reach their third Champions League final in 12 years.

They also tried to shake off the sluggish, clumsy, and lethargic inertia in La Liga to create the best momentum before encountering Arsenal, but only completed half of their task—the other half being losing a key player. That is a major footballing loss. Just thinking about it is enough to pain Simeone.

Beyond the shock the injury brings to Atletico, this midfielder also faces the risk of missing the World Cup, a tournament he has fully deserved over recent months as one of Atletico's standout performers.

  Divine Will