Key Takeaways
- Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal ahead from the penalty spot just before half-time after a foul by David Hancko.
- Julian Alvarez equalised for Atletico Madrid early in the second half with a powerful penalty following a handball by Ben White.
- A third penalty awarded to Arsenal was overturned by VAR after a review showed Eberechi Eze had not been fouled inside the box.
Atletico Madrid and Arsenal finished level at one goal apiece in the opening match of their Champions League semi-final. The clash took place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday evening.
Both teams began the match with high energy, but neither could take control during the early exchanges. David Raya produced an excellent save to deny Julian Alvarez from long range. At the other end, Martin Odegaard saw his shot from close range blocked by a defender. The home side looked slightly sharper, yet they fell behind against the run of play shortly before the half-time whistle.
Arsenal’s number fourteen, Viktor Gyokeres, turned cleverly inside the penalty area. David Hancko brought down the Swedish striker, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Gyokeres sent Jan Oblak the wrong way and calmly rolled the ball into the net to give the Gunners the lead.
Diego Simeone demanded a strong response from his players after the break. They delivered exactly that. Ben White blocked a cross with his arm inside the area, and the officials awarded Atletico a penalty. Julian Alvarez took responsibility despite missing his last spot-kick in the Copa del Rey final. This time, the Argentine striker smashed the ball past Raya to level the score.
The home side should have taken the lead moments later. Ademola Lookman found himself in a perfect scoring position, but he shot weakly straight at Raya. Arsenal then thought they had won another penalty when Hancko challenged Eberechi Eze. The referee initially awarded the kick, but VAR advised him to check the monitor. Replays showed there was not enough contact, and the decision was reversed.
Atletico wanted a victory to take to North London next week, but they must settle for a draw. The second leg will take place at the Emirates Stadium. Simeone’s men lost 4-0 at that ground during the league phase earlier this season. However, the squad still believes they can win the return match and book their place in the final.