Arsenal FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Atlético Madrid in a tightly contested UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Gunners made a bright start and looked the more composed side in the opening half, controlling possession and pressing effectively. Their early dominance paid off just before the break when Viktor Gyökeres converted from the penalty spot after being brought down inside the box, handing the visitors a deserved lead.
Atlético responded with renewed intensity after the restart, pushing Arsenal deeper into their own half. Their persistence was rewarded when Julián Álvarez equalised from the spot following a VAR review that penalised Ben White for handball.
The hosts grew in confidence after drawing level and came close to taking the lead, with Antoine Griezmann striking the crossbar during a lively spell of pressure.
The match saw further VAR drama late on when Arsenal were initially awarded a second penalty after a challenge on Eberechi Eze, only for the decision to be overturned upon review.
Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner, leaving the tie evenly poised ahead of the return leg in London. With the away goals rule no longer in effect, the result means everything remains to play for as both teams seek a place in the Champions League final.
