Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are level heading into next Tuesday’s second leg
Arsenal F.C. and Atlético Madrid played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash, leaving the tie delicately balanced ahead of next week’s decisive second leg in London.
The match was marked by high drama and contentious VAR decisions, with Arsenal denied a late opportunity to secure a crucial advantage. In the 78th minute, referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded the visitors a penalty after Eberechi Eze went down under a challenge from David Hancko. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned after officials ruled the contact insufficient.
Arsenal had opened the scoring through Viktor Gyökeres, who converted confidently from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the box. Atlético responded before halftime, with Julián Álvarez equalising from the spot after a handball decision against Ben White, awarded following another VAR intervention.
The Premier League side controlled much of the first half with composed possession and attacking pressure, but Atlético emerged stronger after the restart, pushing Arsenal onto the back foot.
Álvarez nearly doubled the hosts’ lead with a curling free-kick, while Antoine Griezmann struck the crossbar in a tense spell for the visitors. Ademola Lookman also threatened but was denied by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal regained momentum after Álvarez was forced off through injury and pressed forward in search of a winner. Substitute Cristhian Mosquera came closest late on with a powerful effort that tested Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Despite the controversy surrounding the overturned penalty, both sides settled for a draw, setting up a crucial second leg at the Emirates Stadium. The winner will advance to face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Speaking after the match, Gyökeres remained optimistic about Arsenal’s chances, expressing confidence that the team can capitalise on home advantage in the return fixture.
