Sneijder Wishes UEFA Cancelled Arsenal Vs Atlético Madrid UCL Clash

Wesley Sneijder praised Arsenal after their narrow win over Atlético Madrid sealed a place in the UEFA Champions League final, while also launching a scathing critique of the match itself.

Naija News reports that a first-half strike from Bukayo Saka secured a 1-0 win in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg, sending Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders into the showpiece match later this month. Arsenal will now meet either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final.

Sneijder, speaking on Ziggo Sport, applauded the Gunners’ achievement and their route to the final.

He said, “With this team, it is so impressive to reach the final. Leaving all the other world-class teams behind you. I think that is very impressive.”

However, the former Netherlands midfielder delivered a blunt assessment of the game, suggesting European football’s governing body should have stepped in due to the standard on display.

He said: “I said after 35 minutes, UEFA must intervene. They need to call London: both teams off the pitch, and tomorrow the final will be played between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.”

Sneijder argued that the match unfolded exactly as expected under Diego Simeone, with Atletico retreating deep and conceding possession for long spells. “I knew this would happen, Atletico dropped back and gave away possession, and Arsenal had a lot of control over the ball,” he said.