3 May will forever be remembered as a historic day in the Wanda Metropolitano's. In the first-ever semifinal played in Atlético’s new stadium, the Madrilenian side beat Arsenal and qualified for the UEFA Europa League final in Lyon against Olympique Marseille. Team and fans created an outstanding atmosphere as Diego Costa put locals on the driving seat on the late stage of the first half. After the break Atlético managed the advantage stopping Gunners’ efforts with a strong defensive display.

Fernando Torres came onto the pitch on 83’ replacing Diego Costa up front and played a brilliant role with one the most dangerous chances of the second half. His right-footed drive from the box flew hard and straight to the net but Ospina made a great save to clear the danger. It was a remarkable 400th appearance milestone with Atlético for the Spaniard.

The match started off beautifully with a great union between the team and the fans. Diego Costa, the only goalscorer of the night, was a constant threat for the Arsenal defense. Time and time again, he created numerous dangerous opportunities for the home side.

After several attempts, the goal finally came in the last play of the first half. A great Antoine Griezmann ball found Costa and the striker scored the only goal of the night.

In the second half, Red-and-whites kept putting on the pressure and Arsenal had trouble containing our forwards and bothering Jan Oblak's goal.

When the referee blew his whistle in the 93rd minute, the Wanda Metropolitano went wild and gave the players an agonizingly loud standing ovation as they came back from the dressing room to the pitch to celebrate the victory with them.


- Match stats:

Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Thomas (Savic, 92’), Giménez, Godín, Lucas; Saúl, Gabi, Koke, Vitolo (Correa, 74’); Griezmann y Diego Costa (Fernando Torres, 83’).

Arsenal: Ospina; Bellerín, Mustafi, Koscienly (Chambers, 11’), Monreal; Xhaka; Ramsey, Wilshere (Mkhitaryan, 68’), Welbeck, Özil; y Lacazette.

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (Italy). Booked locals Gabi (52’), Saúl (71’), Diego Costa (78’); and visitors Wilshere (42’), Monreal (58’) y Mustafi (78’).

Goals:

1-0 (46’) Diego Costa.

- Match report by fernando9torres.com / atleticodemadrid.com