Arsenal and Atlético Madrid played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, with VAR controversy taking centre stage. Viktor Gyökeres gave Arsenal the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, but Julián Alvarez equalised after the break with another spot-kick. The match's defining moment came late on when referee Danny Makkelie awarded Arsenal a second penalty, only to overturn it after a VAR review.
Gyökeres opened the scoring in the 38th minute, converting a penalty he had won after contact from Atlético defender David Hancko. The Swedish striker's powerful strike gave Arsenal a deserved lead, as they had grown into the game after a nervy start. Declan Rice was influential in midfield, while Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke both went close.
Atletico Madrid improved after the interval, and Alvarez levelled from the spot in the 62nd minute after a foul by Arsenal's William Saliba. The visitors then pushed for a winner, but the game took another twist in the 78th minute. Makkelie initially pointed to the spot after substitute Eberechi Eze went down under a challenge from Hancko, but after consulting the pitchside monitor, he reversed his decision, much to the fury of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Atletico almost snatched victory late on when Nahuel Molina fired just over the bar. The draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of next week's second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta expressed his frustration with the officiating, while Atlético boss Diego Simeone was relieved to escape with a draw.
