‘Sad’ Arsene Wenger laments missed chances for Arsenal as they exit Europa League with a whimper

Diego Costa’s strike at the end of the first half proved decisive at the Wanda Metropolitano where a 1-0 victory secured Atletico a 2-1 win on aggregate.

Defeat ends Wenger’s hopes of leaving Arsenal on a high as his team missed out on a shot at a major trophy and squandered their last chance to qualify for the Champions League.

Atletico have not lost at home in La Liga this season but they were on the ropes in the first leg in London, down to 10 men from the 10th minute after Sime Vrsaljko was sent off.

“I’m very sad tonight,” Wenger said. “Unfortunately you have to go through that – the game can be very cruel, sometimes very nice, but the suffering is very strong tonight.

“Looking at the chances over the two games the least we could say is we are very frustrated. The tie should have been over in the first game.”