Arsenal's Champions League semi-final remains delicately poised after a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The Gunners, aiming to reach their first final in 20 years, took the lead through a Viktor Gyokeres penalty but were pegged back by a Julian Alvarez spot-kick following a controversial VAR decision.
First Half: Arsenal Comfortable
Arsenal started brightly and controlled much of the first half. Viktor Gyokeres was fouled in the box and confidently dispatched the resulting penalty to give the visitors a deserved lead. The Gunners' defence, marshalled by William Saliba and Gabriel, looked solid, while Declan Rice dominated midfield.
Second Half: Atletico Fight Back
Atletico Madrid raised their intensity after the break. Julian Alvarez saw a free-kick go narrowly wide before a Ben White handball gifted the hosts a penalty, which Alvarez converted. Antoine Griezmann then hit the woodwork, and Ademola Lookman fired straight at David Raya with the goal at his mercy. Arsenal thought they had a late penalty when Eberechi Eze was brought down, but VAR overturned the decision.
Player Ratings
- David Raya - 8/10: Made sensational saves from Lookman and Alvarez. No chance on the penalty.
- Ben White - 6/10: Good defensively but offered less going forward. Unlucky to concede a penalty.
- William Saliba - 7/10: Composed on the ball, stepped out of defence, and read danger well.
- Gabriel - 7/10: Strong in defence with excellent blocks, including a sensational second-half stop.
- Piero Hincapie - 7/10: Terrifying again with marauding runs down the left and strong defensive work.
- Martin Zubimendi - 6/10: Neat and tidy, kept the ball under pressure and used it well.
- Declan Rice - 9/10: This was Rice at his best. Always looking for the ball, driving forward, and outstanding throughout.
- Martin Odegaard - 6/10: After his rabble-rousing pre-match message, the players responded to their captain.
- Noni Madueke - 8/10: A really good, positive performance down the right. Made things happen and was sharp.
- Gabriel Martinelli - 6/10: Good pace down the left which helped open up the Atletico defence.
- Viktor Gyokeres - 8/10: One of his best displays in an Arsenal shirt. Scored, worked hard, and was brave.
Substitutes
- Eze (for Odegaard, 58 mins) - 6/10
- Trossard (for Martinelli, 68 mins) - 6/10
- Saka (for Madueke, 68 mins) - 6/10
- Jesus (for Gyokeres, 68 mins) - 6/10
Man of the match: Declan Rice.
The second leg at the Emirates promises to be a tense affair, with Arsenal needing to finish the job to reach the final.
