Diego Simeone dismisses superstition claims over Atletico Madrid hotel switch for Arsenal showdown

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has dismissed suggestions that superstition prompted his side to switch London hotels ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal , instead claiming their new Shoreditch base was simply "cheaper". The Spanish club, currently level at 1-1 with the Gunners after last week’s first leg, are preparing for Tuesday’s decisive encounter. Atleti had previously stayed at the four-star Marriott Hotel in Regents Park before suffering a 4-0 defeat by Mikel Arteta’s side in the league phase back in October.

However, for this crucial last-four clash, they have relocated across the capital to the five-star Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch, east London. Reports had suggested Simeone ordered the move, fearing that using the same accommodation as their previous drubbing could bring bad luck. Atleti are staying at a different London hotel (PA) But when questioned about the decision, Simeone responded with a smile: "The hotel was cheaper.

That’s why we changed. " Meanwhile, former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, who scored a penalty and impressed in the opening leg last week, appears set to overcome an injury to start for Atleti at the Emirates Stadium. Alvarez, whom Simeone had previously revealed Arsenal are interested in signing, could not complete the first leg and subsequently missed Atleti’s 2-0 victory at Valencia last Saturday.

However, the Argentina international, who has netted 20 times for Atleti this season, has travelled to London. Simeone emphasised Alvarez’s significance, stating: "Julian Alvarez is important in this game because he knows the English league very well. He played really well last week, and I hope he can bring what he needs in the game tomorrow.