Diego Simeone has paid Arsenal the ultimate compliment after watching his Atletico Madrid side crash out of the Champions League, declaring the Gunners the toughest opponent his team has faced all season.

Tuesday night's 2-1 aggregate defeat brought an end to Atletico's European campaign, with Arsenal proving too strong over two legs in the semi-final. While the Spanish side had previously navigated a tricky quarter-final against Barcelona, winning 3-2 on aggregate, Simeone was quick to acknowledge the quality of their latest conquerors.

"If we got knocked out, it's because our opponents deserved to go through," Simeone said in his post-match press conference. "They took their big chance in the first half and deserved to advance. I feel calm, I feel peaceful."

The Argentine tactician, known for his passionate and often fiery demeanor, struck a reflective tone as he analyzed his team's performance. "We weren't clinical enough with the opportunities we created. We improved in the second half, but things just didn't go our way. We gave it everything, and now we have to accept where we are."

He added: "Arsenal were the better team over these two legs. They are the best team we have faced this season. They play with a rhythm and conviction that is very difficult to contain."

It's a remarkable admission given Atletico's eventful campaign against Spanish giants Barcelona. Simeone's men knocked Barca out of both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, yet they also lost home and away to Hansi Flick's side in La Liga—a telling sign of the inconsistencies that have left them 25 points adrift of the Catalans in the domestic table.

For Arsenal, the journey continues. Mikel Arteta's side now march on to the Champions League final in Budapest later this month, where they will face either PSG or Bayern Munich. It's a fitting stage for a team that has clearly left a lasting impression on one of Europe's most respected managers.