Gyökeres and Atlético trade penalties as Gunners secure crucial away result in Madrid showdown

Atlético Madrid and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Arsenal, contesting a second successive UCL semi-final for the first time in their history, knew a rock-solid start was needed in the Spanish capital, where Atlético were unbeaten in their previous six UCL knockout games against English sides (W3, D3).

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was kept quiet as he returned to the starting lineup after missing their last league game.

David Raya was called into action early, reacting smartly to parry a Julián Álvarez effort around the post. The Gunners responded well, with captain Martin Ødegaard seeing a dangerous strike blocked by Johnny Cardoso, before the lively Noni Madueke fired wide from 25 yards.

Arsenal continued to assert themselves as the first half progressed and were rewarded shortly before the break when Dávid Hancko bundled into the back of Viktor Gyökeres in the box.

The Swedish striker stepped up and converted confidently from the spot, powering his penalty beyond Jan Oblak for his 19th goal of the season, handing Arsenal a valuable halftime lead.

Having emerged victorious from five of their previous six UCL away trips this campaign (D1), the Gunners looked composed, but Atlético came out strongly after the restart.

Álvarez threatened again with a free-kick into the side-netting, while Lookman saw a close-range effort repelled by Raya. The hosts’ pressure eventually paid off when Ben White was penalised for handball in the box, allowing Atlético to draw level from the penalty spot.

Atlético nearly took the lead in the 63rd minute when Antoine Griezmann’s delicate effort struck the crossbar.

The hosts remained the more dangerous side in the final third, but profligate finishing from Lookman and a series of sharp saves from Raya ensured Arsenal held firm.

Arsenal were later awarded a second penalty after Hancko was adjudged to have tripped substitute Eberechi Eze, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review, leaving both sides level heading into the second leg.