Andrea Berta refused to let a touchline confrontation with Diego Simeone dampen his celebrations after Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid to reach the Champions League final. They both clashed on the sideline during second-half stoppage time, with the Atletico boss appearing to shove Arsenal’s sporting director at one point.
The flashpoint occurred in the 95th minute, after the match ball went bouncing out of play. Before the game restarted, Simeone seemed to push Berta away from the fourth official, Tobias Stieler.
They go back over a decade to their time at Atletico. Berta built much of the squad Simeone has today.
Following the triumph over his former club, Berta thrust his right fist skyward at the Emirates Stadium during Arsenal’s post-match celebrations. He also hugged numerous of their staff members as he made his way through a throng on the touchline.
This scene unfolded just moments after requiring separation from Simeone. The Argentine took the initiative after demanding referee Daniel Siebert move Arsenal personnel away from the pitch during stoppage time.
He shoved his former sporting director in the direction of the tunnel from which he had emerged. Officials then took control and ordered Simeone back over to his technical area.
View 2 ImagesAndrea Berta went out on the pitch to celebrate after Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid
On the other side, Mikel Arteta urged Siebert to signal full-time. Both he and Simeone were shown yellow cards in the second and third minutes of stoppage time, respectively, for their conduct on the sideline.
Amazon Prime commentator Jon Champion said: “All sorts of antics and now it’s kicking off down in the technical area.” Alan Shearer added: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people down on the touchline.”
Champion continued: “This has been fizzing for a fair while. Nelson Vivas and a couple of members of the Atletico coaching staff are being sent back to their dugout.”
Find the best flights and hotels for Champions League gamesThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Various PricesBooking.comSee the deals here
Booking.com provides countless deals on flights and accommodation across Europe so football fans can follow their team on their Champions League campaign.
Berta’s involvement added extra spice to this encounter, given his lengthy association with Atletico. The Italian spent more than a decade at the Spanish side, initially arriving as technical director in 2013 before being promoted to sporting director four years on.
Article continues below
He stayed in that position until early January 2025 after agreeing with them to end his contract. Arsenal then confirmed his forthcoming arrival less than three months afterwards.
Now, barely a year on, Berta has helped build the squad that prevented his former employers from reaching another Champions League final. For him, it marks a third in 13 years.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page