Arsenal's pain in Spain continues with another away defeat

No less than 12 years have passed since the Londoners last managed a victory on Spanish soil

Arsenal’s woeful record on Spanish soil continued on Thursday as the Gunners were eliminated from the Europa League at the hands of Atletico Madrid. 

Tied 1-1 going into the semi-final second leg, Arsene Wenger’s men needed either a victory or to draw having scored at least twice to advance. 

But they came up against a formidable Atletico, who even with coach Diego Simeone banished to the bench shut out the visitors to make the final. 

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Diego Costa fired home in first half injury time for the only goal of a 1-0 victory, while Jan Oblak was unbeaten in the Atletico net. 

Arsenal have now failed to win on their last seven visits to Spain in European competition, drawing twice and losing on five occasions. 

The last time the Gunners prevailed was over a decade ago, when they downed Real Madrid 1-0 in February 2006 in a Champions League meeting. 

Costa’s goal, meanwhile, ensured that the former Chelsea striker’s excellent record against the north Londoners continues. 

The striker, an unused substitute in the first leg, has now scored four in his seven games against the Gunners in all competitions.