Atletico Madrid held Arsenal to a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
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Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead just before halftime from the penalty spot after being fouled, but Julian Alvarez equalised early in the second half with another penalty following a handball by Ben White.
The match was marked by late controversy when Arsenal were denied a second penalty after a VAR review overturned the on-field decision involving David Hancko and Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration, calling the decision “clear and obvious,” while Atletico captain Koke praised his side’s second-half performance.
Played at the Metropolitano Stadium, the clash lacked the high-scoring drama of the other semi-final but delivered intensity and tactical discipline, with both teams cautious not to concede a decisive advantage.
Atletico pushed hard after the break, with Antoine Griezmann hitting the crossbar, while Arsenal relied on solid defending and key saves from goalkeeper David Raya.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in London, with both sides still in contention for a place in the final.
