Atletico Madrid stayed in a Marriott near Regents Park when Arsenal thrashed them in the league phase back in October.
In Spain it has been reported that Atletico boss Simeone switched hotels this time to a different venue in nearby trendy Shoreditch because he is superstitious.
But when asked whether he is superstitious and also whether Atletico are in a better place now than last year, the normally very serious Atletico boss came back with a quip.
Simeone said: “We are doing better than in October, and the hotel was cheaper! That’s why we changed.”
Atletico go into the second leg on level terms with Arsenal but there was a hint of what they are capable of in the second half. That is why the Spanish giants cannot be written off as they chase a place in the final but Simeone says he is relaxed and ready for the return leg.
Simeone said: “Well as coaches we have to think about what could happen but it is down to the players. We have to manage our emotions and play as well as possible.
“The game changes as soon as it kicks off. Over time, you do become patient. It is not about being passive, but calm, and that is what we need in this type of game. Of course I want them to repeat the second-half performance from the first leg, and if it is as simple as that then it would be great.
“I know you are always looking for headlines and interesting quotes, but the reality is that we want the match to start now, and get involved, and if we play well we have a better chance of winning. We will try to play to our strengths and so will Arsenal.
“We have played the game we needed to do to get here with the right level of intensity and we hope our leaders and as a team we can do what we need to do.
“We are confident in terms of what we want with the game, but it is not just down to us. We are convinced about what we need to do. Whatever plan is chosen, we will stick with until the end.
“I just need to work hard and we are clear about what we need to do, and we hope to transmit that as clearly as possible because we want to put in a great performance.”
