Atlético — Arsenal 1-1: Gyökeres and Álvarez score penalties in the first Champions League semi-final

Atlético and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final. In a tense match in Madrid, the teams exchanged penalty goals: Viktor Gyökeres scored for the London side, while Julián Álvarez netted the equaliser for the hosts.

Arsenal went ahead before the break

The first half was tightly contested, but both teams found opportunities near the opposition goal. As early as the 14th minute, Julián Álvarez forced David Raya into action after some impressive attacking play. Arsenal also had chances through Piero Hincapié, Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke.

It seemed the first half would end goalless, but in the 44th minute Viktor Gyökeres won and confidently converted a penalty. The Arsenal forward struck powerfully from the spot after a foul by Dávid Hancko and put the visitors ahead — 0-1.

Álvarez rescued Atlético in the second half

After the break, Diego Simeone’s team noticeably improved. Atlético started the second half actively: Álvarez came close to scoring from a free-kick, while Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann also created danger near Raya’s goal.

In the 56th minute, the Madrid side were awarded a penalty after a handball by Ben White. Julián Álvarez executed the spot-kick perfectly, sending the ball into the top-left corner — 1-1.

Griezmann named Player of the Match

After the equaliser, Atlético continued to apply pressure. Antoine Griezmann hit the crossbar, Lookman tested Raya again, and deep into stoppage time Nahuel Molina fired over the bar from a promising position.

Antoine Griezmann was named PlayStation® Player of the Match. The Frenchman delivered a strong performance, linked up actively with Julián Álvarez, constantly threatened the opposition goal and helped his team defensively.

The 1-1 draw keeps the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg. Arsenal managed to secure an important result away from home, but Atlético showed they are capable of changing the course of the game and maintaining pressure throughout the entire second half.

As a reminder, in the other Champions League semi-final, PSG defeated Bayern 5-4.