Penalty controversy sees Arsenal draw at Atletico

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Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid scored a penalty each in a first-leg draw that leaves their Champions League semi-final in the balance

Author | DJ

Stadium | Metropolitano

Viktor Gyokeres won and converted a spot-kick for the visitors a minute before the break after going down under a challenge from David Hancko.

But Julian Alvarez levelled 11 minutes into the second half, scoring from the spot after a video assistant referee review.

Highlights of a fascinating night in Madrid. Arsenal’s dreams of a first Champions League final in 20 years remain. youtu.be/BzHhCcnBiRg?...

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— European Super Football (@eurosuperfootball.bsky.social) 30 April 2026 at 06:57

Substitute Eberechi Eze thought he had won Arsenal a second penalty late on when he appeared to beat Hancko to the ball inside the area, but the decision was overturned following another VAR check.

Both sides looked quietly content at full-time with all still to play for next week. 

The game began as a cagey affair

Neither side was looking to concede an early advantage. It was very different to the previous night's match between PSG and Bayern. 

PSG and Bayern play out an all-time classic eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2026/04/psg-...

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— Super News Affiliate (@supernews1.bsky.social) 29 April 2026 at 06:58

After Gyokeres put the Gunners ahead, Atletico Madrid started the second half by applying 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 searched for an equaliser.

Atletico were awarded a penalty when Marcos Llorente’s shot from the edge of the area struck Ben White’s leg and then his hand. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot and Alvarez fired into the top corner.

Watch | A short flavour of the atmosphere. Video uploaded by Shorts LM

Griezmann later hit the crossbar before Lookman missed a clear chance to add a second for Atletico, shooting straight at Raya from close range.

The tie remains finely balanced before the second leg in London next Tuesday.

Location: Madrid, Spain

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