Arsenal and Atletico Madrid scored a penalty each in an incident-packed first-leg draw that leaves their Champions League semi-final in the balance.
Match Report:
Viktor Gyokeres won and scored a spot-kick for the visitors just one minute before the break after he went down under a challenge from David Hancko.
But Julian Alvarez levelled the score 11 minutes into the second half with a penalty awarded following a video assistant referee review.
The game started as a cagey affair with neither side looking to give away an advantage.
But after Gyokeres put the Gunners in front, Atletico Madrid started the second half by piling on the pressure.
Ademola Lookman forced David Raya into a save before Gabriel Magalhaes produced an excellent block to deny Antoine Griezmann from the rebound as the hosts looked for an equaliser.
Atletico got a penalty when Marcos Llorente's shot from the edge of the box hit Ben White's leg and then touched his hand.
The referee pointed to the spot after a VAR check, with Alvarez slamming the ball into the top corner.
Griezmann hit the crossbar before Lookman had a golden chance to score a second for Atletico but the winger could only shoot straight at Raya from close range.
Substitute Eberechi Eze thought he had won Arsenal's second penalty late on when he appeared to beat Hancko to the ball inside the area but the decision was overturned after a VAR check.
The tie is now finely balanced before the two sides meet in the second leg in London next Tuesday.
Line-ups
Atletico XI: Oblak, Griezmann, Koke, Llorente, Dávid Hancko, Lookman, Alvarez, Matteo Ruggeri, Johnny Cardoso, Marc Pubill, Giuliano Simeone
Subs: Lenglet, Sørloth, Musso, Le Normand, Molina, Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Javier Boñar, Salvi Esquivel, Rodrigo Mendoza, Obed Vargas, Julio Díaz
Arsenal XI: David Raya, Ødegaard, Rice, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel, Ben White, Martín Zubimendi, Martinelli, Saliba, Madueke, Hincapie
Subs: Christian Nørgaard, Trossard, Kepa, Jesus, Eberechi Eze, Saka, Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, Tommy Setford, Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman, Marli Salmon
Davichi
161
OK. I think it's fair to say that both teams exceeded our expectations. 😂😂🤣🙊
bosskeddyultra
117
If Arsenal FC has million fans, then I'm one of them.If Arsenal FC has 5 fans, then I'm one of them.If Arsenal FC has one fan, then I'm that one.If Arsenal FC has no fan, that means I'm dead.If the world is against Arsenal FC then I'm against the world.
Desmond011
107
Appreciation post to Griezmann, he really played like a legend and a leader✌️❤️
sukbkopst
57
No one is talking about the Arsenal denied penalty.. Pure day light robbery.. It's not a problem.. we get the job done at the emirates, haters stroll into fire..
jakclmptyz
56
Haram ball i predicted these two teams did not disappoint at all 🤣🤣
Footballlovers10
53
Arsenal FC in 2026. February : Quadruple 🏆🏆🏆🏆 March : Treble 🏆🏆🏆 April : Double 🏆🏆 May : trouble 🤣💔🤣
dougiefresh
22
If Arsenal FC has million fans, then I'm one of them.If Arsenal FC has 5 fans, then I'm one of them.If Arsenal FC has one fan, then I'm that one.If Arsenal FC has no fan, that means I'm dead.If the world is against Arsenal FC then I'm against the world.
then why the bayern badge
AFersoKI1753
13
This match makes me not want to watch futbol anymore. Two boring teams battling it out in one of the most boring matches of all time. 🥱 😴🥱
123Sonam
11
Dry Goal Dry Team, No interest to watch game like this only waste the time
Najibisbacknow
11
These two teams don’t deserve to be in the semis
The_Real_Baggio
11
No one is talking about the Arsenal denied penalty.. Pure day light robbery.. It's not a problem.. we get the job done at the emirates, haters stroll into fire..
Not a penalty. too soft
Dreamer123
9
what kinda game are we watching today 🤔
young_boss
9
Eze composed and dominate the midfield than Ordegard today!!! well played, Ath. were saved by the Ref today!!
dougiefresh
9
A World Class striker scored his first Champions League knockout goal with a penalty at the age of 27
EmeraldJ
9
As boring as expected!
Wisdomsam
9
If you knew from the beginning that this game is gonna end in a draw ✍️ let’s gather here 😂two defensive clubs but one good at back passes😂😂