Arsenal and Atletico draw 1-1 in Champions League semi-final first leg

MADRID: Julian Alvarez converted a second-half penalty to earn Atletico Madrid a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

Arsenal went in front shortly before the break when Viktor Gyokeres scored from the spot after being fouled. Atletico equalised 10 minutes into the second half after Ben White handled the ball, allowing Alvarez to level the match from the penalty spot.

The result left the tie finely balanced ahead of next Tuesday’s return leg in London, with Arsenal still in contention to reach the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years.

Penalties decide tense first leg

The match was marked more by caution and tension than attacking fluency, with neither side willing to take major risks in a contest between two clubs still seeking a first Champions League title.

Atletico had the stronger spell for much of the game, particularly in the opening stages, when they pushed Arsenal back. David Raya was called into action early, tipping Alvarez’s effort around the post.

Arsenal, who were without a fully fit Bukayo Saka in the starting lineup, threatened only intermittently in the first half. Noni Madueke, deployed on the right, fired narrowly wide during one of the visitors’ rare advances.

The breakthrough came when Gyokeres, who exchanged passes with Martin Zubimendi, was shoved from behind by David Hancko inside the area. Atletico coach Diego Simeone and Antoine Griezmann appealed for a review, but VAR did not overturn the decision. Gyokeres then struck the penalty firmly past Jan Oblak.

The hosts responded strongly after the interval. Raya saved from Ademola Lookman, while Gabriel blocked Griezmann’s follow-up effort. Atletico were then awarded a penalty when Marcos Llorente’s shot struck White’s arm, which was away from his body after the ball bounced up. Alvarez, who had missed in Atletico’s Copa del Rey final shoot-out defeat earlier in April, made no mistake this time.

Late VAR decision frustrates Arsenal

Atletico continued to press for a winner. Griezmann clipped a shot against the crossbar and then sent the rebound off target. Lookman also went close twice, but Raya kept Arsenal level with alert saves.

Arsenal believed they had been awarded a late second penalty when substitute Eberechi Eze went down following contact from Hancko. However, after a VAR review, the referee reversed the decision, judging the Slovakian defender’s contact to be minimal.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta reacted angrily to that call "I'm incredibly fuming", Arteta said."It's a clear and very obvious penalty", he added.

Speaking to Movistar, Arteta said playing at Atletico’s home ground required resilience. "Here, you have to suffer. Many teams have suffered here, including some of the best in the world. We had some good moments in the match and moments where we had to suffer. The margins are very slim."

Atletico captain Koke said his team’s display after the break gave them encouragement for the second leg. "We were the team we have to be -- if we play at this level we can win. From my point of view they didn't create much danger against us... the team defended well and they just had that penalty."

Griezmann also said Atletico’s second-half display showed the level they must reproduce away from home. "This is what we have to do in the away game. The second half) was much better in terms of intensity."

Before kick-off, toilet paper was thrown from the stands at the Metropolitano stadium in a notable display. Atletico, appearing in the semi-finals for the first time in nine years, now head to London level in the tie.

Arsenal next face Fulham as they continue their Premier League title battle with Manchester City, while Atletico, with little left to play for in La Liga, are expected to rotate heavily before the second leg.