ATLETICO MADRID 1-1 ARSENAL: Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez traded penalties to leave Arsenal's Champions League semi-final with Atletico Madrid finely poised after the first-leg
Arsenal's Champions League semi-final remains in the balance after they drew their first-leg with Atletico Madrid after a controversial late VAR call.
The Gunners, seeking to reach a first final in 20 years, took the lead at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano late following a first-half in which they looked more than comfortable. Viktor Gyokeres was fouled but dusted himself off to hammer home the game's opener from 12 yards.
Arsenal, whose Premier League form has tailed off, had to weather a second-half storm from the hosts, who were always going to have to up their level. Julian Alvarez, himself linked with a summer switch to the Emirates, stepped up to provide the equaliser.
The Argentine had seen a free-kick go narrowly wide before a Ben White handball presented him with the chance to fire him from 12 yards.
Antoine Griezmann would hit the woodwork with a sensational effort before Ademola Lookman spurned his lines with the goal at his mercy, firing straight at David Raya. The visitors thought they had the third spot kick of the night, only for VAR to help overturn a challenge on Eberechi Eze, which was initially given.
Here are our player ratings from the Spanish capital.
David Raya - 8
Made sensational saves from Lookman and Alvarez. No chance on Alvarez penalty.
Ben White - 6
Good defensively but offered less going forward. Unlucky to concede a penalty.
William Saliba - 7
Composed and good on the ball, stepped out of defence and also read danger.
Gabriel - 7
Strong in defence with some excellent blocks, one in the second half was sensational.
Piero Hincapie - 7
Was terrific again. Marauding runs down the left and was so strong in defence.
Martin Zubimendi - 6
Neat and tidy, kept the ball under pressure and used it well. Better performance.
Declan Rice - 9
This was Rice at his best. Always looking for the ball, driving forward and was outstanding.
Martin Odegaard - 6
After his rabble-rousing pre-match message, the players really responded to their captain.
Noni Madueke - 8
A really good, positive performance down the right. Made things happen and was sharp.
Gabriel Martinelli - 6
Good pace down the left which helped open up the Atletico defence. Decent game.
Viktor Gyokeres - 8
One of his best displays in an Arsenal shirt. Scored, worked hard and was brave. That’s better!
Substitutes
Eze, for Odegaard, 58 mins, 6
Trossard, for Martinelli, 68 mins, 6
Saka, for Madueke, 68 mins, 6
Jesus, for Gyokeres, 68 mins, 6
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Mosquera, Saka, Jesus, Eze, Norgaard, Trossard, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Salmon
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone (Le Normand, 46), Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Alvarez.
Subs: Musso, Esquivel, Mendoza, Sorloth, Alex Baena, Almada, Lenglet, Molina, Vargas,Bonar, Julio Diaz
Man of the match: Declan Rice.