Atlético Madrid have filed a complaint with UEFA after discovering there was no hot water in the dressing rooms at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium during their training session on Monday evening, ahead of their Champions League clash on Tuesday.
The LaLiga club confirmed to ESPN that the issue occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time, shortly after head coach Diego Simeone and forward Julián Álvarez addressed the media. Following the discovery, Atlético players and staff reportedly returned to their hotel to shower, while the problem was later fixed.
An Atlético spokesperson told ESPN, “Atlético lodged a complaint with UEFA representatives who were present at the Emirates.”
Arsenal, who top the Premier League table, have maintained a perfect Champions League record this season with victories away at Athletic Club and at home against Olympiacos. Atlético, meanwhile, suffered a 3–2 defeat to Liverpool before bouncing back with a 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Simeone, who will return to the sidelines after serving a one-match ban for a confrontation with fans at Anfield, was praised by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during Monday’s press conference. Arteta commended Simeone’s “passion” but added that managers “have a responsibility to be an example” in their conduct.
Atlético currently sit fourth in LaLiga, boasting strong home form including a 5–2 derby victory over Real Madrid but struggling in away fixtures. Last season, they were eliminated from the Champions League round of 16 by Real Madrid in a penalty shootout, while Arsenal advanced to the semifinals.
