- Atletico Madrid and Arsenal draw 1-1 in first leg.
- Two penalties see Gyokeres and Alvarez score.
- Arsenal denied late penalty after VAR review.
- Tie remains open ahead of London return leg.
Atletico Madrid and Arsenal played out a tense 1-1 draw in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, leaving everything to play for in the decisive return fixture in London.
The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw on Wednesday night in the Spanish capital.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Both sides had moments of control in a game that swung in momentum, with two penalties ultimately deciding the scoreline.
Arsenal started the brighter of the two teams, managing the tempo of the first half and limiting the hosts to few clear-cut chances. Their pressure paid off when Viktor Gyokeres won and converted a penalty after being brought down in the box.
Before that, David Raya had been called into action, producing a fine save to deny Julian Alvarez, while Noni Madueke came close for the visitors with a curling effort.
READ ALSO: Sadio Mane Gifts Senegal FA Free 12-Storey Building for New Headquarters | Daily Report Nigeria
The second half, however, told a different story.
Atletico Madrid grew into the game and found their equaliser when Alvarez calmly converted from the spot after a handball by Ben White.
The Spanish side then pushed forward, creating several dangerous chances. Ademola Lookmantested Raya from close range, while Gabriel Magalhaes made a crucial block to keep Arsenal level. Antoine Griezmann also came close, striking the woodwork.
Arsenal thought they had a golden opportunity to win the match late on when substitute Eberechi Eze went down in the box. The referee initially pointed to the spot but overturned the decision after consulting VAR, much to the frustration of the visitors.
In stoppage time, Atletico nearly snatched victory, but Nahuel Molina fired just over the bar.
With the tie finely balanced, both teams will now turn their attention to the second leg in London, where a place in the final will be decided.
