Johnny Cardoso and Atlético Madrid knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal
U.S. international Johnny Cardoso came off the bench but could not help Atlético at the Emirates.
Arsenal and Atlético Madrid, as in the first leg, played out a semifinal that was more tactical than thrilling or high-scoring. Mikel Arteta’s side made home field count and, extending its unbeaten run in the competition, booked a place in the final, where it will face the winner of Bayern Munich vs. PSG. USMNT’s Johnny Cardoso, one of Atlético’s best players in the first leg, came on in the 57th minute.
Who scored for Arsenal against Atlético Madrid
Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Bukayo Saka scored the game’s only goal, pouncing on a rebound spilled by Jan Oblak and tapping it into the net. The strike keeps the Gunners dreaming of lifting both the Champions League and the Premier League, especially after Manchester City’s draw with Everton, which has left the door open for Arteta’s team.
Johnny Cardoso, out of the Champions League
In the first leg, Diego Simeone started with Koke and Johnny Cardoso in midfield. For the return leg, however, he left out the American and opted for Marcos Llorente in that role, a decision that did not pay off as Atlético was eliminated, missing out on another final.
Johnny Cardoso came on in the 57th minute for Giuliano Simeone and, according to Sofascore, posted a 6.7 rating. He completed 10 of 10 passes (100%), with four in the attacking half, and defensively won three duels, two of them on the ground. A solid outing from the American, though it ultimately made no difference to the result.