Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 6y

Diego Simeone wants Wanda Metropolitano to 'explode' vs. Arsenal

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone called for "communion between the fans and the team" as he wants a rousing atmosphere for Thursday's Europa League semifinal second leg at home to Arsenal.

Atletico were angered by refereeing decisions in last week's first leg in London, with their 10 men falling behind to Alexandre Lacazette's header. But they remained focused enough to equalise through Antoine Griezmann's late strike.

The La Liga side's new Wanda Metropolitano stadium does not have the intimidating nature of their former Vicente Calderon home but the rojiblanco coach told the pregame news conference that against a "dangerous opponent" like Arsenal, his team would need to draw on passion coming down from the stands.

"As I said in London, we need a stadium that explodes, that transmits passion, because that is who we are," Simeone said. "We need a great communion between the team and the fans. We are up against a dangerous opponent, but it will be a nice game."

Ex-Chelsea centre-forward Diego Costa is set to start after returning from injury in Sunday's 1-0 La Liga win at Alaves, while left-back Filipe Luis has been included in the matchday squad less than seven weeks after breaking a bone in his leg. Midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to deputise at right-back for Sime Vrsaljko, who is suspended due to his two early yellow cards at the Emirates in the first leg.

"[Filipe] has been out two months, he is not ready to play 90 minutes," Simeone said. "But we are in an important stage of the season when players like him have done important things. I am sure that if I call on him, he will respond.

"Many games are played with the heart, as much as the legs. I've not yet spoken with Diego, but the team needs his work and his power."

Atletico are big favourites to progress having won 10 of their last 11 at home in all competitions, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak keeping 10 consecutive clean sheets and Arsenal having zero points on the road in the Premier League in 2018 so far.

"Arsenal have great players and a great manager," Simeone said. "They play with many players between the lines, floating and difficult to mark. On a good day, with [Mesut] Ozil the team is very dangerous, with his vision and directness, and with good full-backs like [Spaniards Nacho] Monreal and [Hector] Bellerin who provide width. Lacazette is not tall, but he is good in the air, and very fast."

Simeone is banned from the touchline on Thursday following his sending off in London, so his assistant German Burgos will again be in charge on the bench.

"German is able and has the same passion and motivation as me," the former Argentina international said. "I am not in his body, but we know each other by memory, we don't have to look at each other. I am relaxed about him being on the bench."

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