Key Takeaways:
- Atletico Madrid lodged a formal complaint with UEFA regarding the lack of hot water in the Emirates Stadium’s dressing room showers prior to their Champions League fixture against Arsenal
- Players were forced to end their rain-soaked training session 15 minutes early and return to their team hotel to shower after the problem persisted
- Arsenal issued an apology to Atletico Madrid and later resolved the issue, while UEFA regulations require hot showers only for competition matches, not training sessions
Atletico’s Preparations Disrupted by Facilities Issue
Atletico Madrid have made an official complaint to UEFA concerning their experience ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League encounter with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The complaint follows an incident on Monday, when Atletico’s squad arrived at the ground for their customary pre-match training session only to discover that the dressing room showers were without hot water. This unexpected issue led to considerable frustration amongst the visiting delegation, prompting squad members to return to their team hotel to wash following training.
🚨 Atletico Madrid are angered and have launched a complaint to UEFA, after The Emirates had no hot water for the squad to use following their training session today. The club reported the issue to stadium staff when they arrived, but the situation wasn’t resolved. ❌🤬 [@marca] pic.twitter.com/UNuDMf2u4N
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) October 20, 2025
Timeline and Reaction
According to Cadena SER, the matter was first brought to UEFA’s attention at 5.30pm, coinciding with the team’s initial arrival at the stadium. Other sources claim that representatives of the La Liga club described themselves as “furious, surprised and confused” that a modern facility such as the Emirates was unable to provide such a basic amenity.
Training took place in rainy conditions, but Atletico’s players abandoned the session 15 minutes earlier than planned after learning that the issue remained unresolved. Their decision to leave was taken swiftly so that the squad could shower at their accommodation instead.
Arsenal’s Response and Regulatory Context
Arsenal have apologised to their Spanish visitors and assured that the lack of hot water was indeed a genuine plumbing issue, which was later rectified. UEFA regulations stipulate that dressing rooms hosting competition matches must be equipped with showers and hot water, but these requirements do not extend specifically to training sessions held at the venue before official fixtures.
Managerial Respect as Tension Builds
Despite the disruption, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed deep respect and admiration for Atletico boss Diego Simeone in the run-up to the meeting between the two clubs. Arteta stated, “Well, obviously (Simeone) is someone that I look up to and learn from in many situations and what is for me outstanding is his passion,” before highlighting Simeone’s longevity, achievements, and the unique identity imprinted on the club over the past 14 years.
Looking Ahead
With frustrations over the facilities now addressed, attention turns back to the football itself, as Arsenal look to protect their flawless European record this season in their most challenging test to date against Diego Simeone’s disciplined Atletico Madrid.
