Arsenal held off a second half rampage from Atletico Madrid as both sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal clash on Wednesday.
The Gunners enjoyed much possession in the first half, but the home side got better in the second half, leaving all to play for ahead of next week’s second leg.
The game was decided by penalties with both sides scoring from the spot and the VAR denying the visitors as controversial penalty decision late in the second half.
David Raya saved from Julian Alvarez early on in the match while Martin Odegaard was denied by a superb block from Johnny Cardoso.
Arsenal then had the perfect chance to go ahead after they were awarded a penalty for a clumsy challenge by David Hancko on Gyokeres, who then dispatched the effort into the net.
The Gunners took a 1-0 lead into the break, making Atletico pay for their missed chances on goal.
However, it was the Spanish side that came out blazing in the second half, with Alvarez, Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann all wasting goalscoring chances.
Atletico Madrid were awarded a penalty of their own when Ben White handled in the box and Alvarez comfortably sent the ball past Raya in the Arsenal goal.
There was a moment of controversy afterwards as Arsenal were initially awarded a penalty for Hancko’s foul on Eberechi Eze. However, after a lengthy review, the referee overturned the decision to the anger of the away supporters.
Both sides were unable to add to the scoreline, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw, with all to play for in next week’s second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
In the other semifinal, Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in an entertaining affair at the Parc des Princes.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
