Arsenal were left to rue a dramatic VAR decision as their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid ended 1-1 in the Spanish capital. Viktor Gyökeres gave Arsenal a first-half lead from the penalty spot, only for Julián Alvarez to equalise after the break with a spot-kick of his own.
Deep into the second half, substitute Eberechi Eze appeared to have won Arsenal a second penalty when he went down under a challenge from David Hancko. Referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, but after a lengthy VAR review and intense protests from Atlético manager Diego Simeone, he overturned the decision.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was incensed, arguing the contact was clear and that there was no obvious error to justify the reversal. The controversy dominated the aftermath, with both sides feeling aggrieved by the officiating.
On the pitch, Arsenal grew into the game after a shaky start. Declan Rice controlled midfield, and Gyökeres, who had a difficult debut season, showed his quality by winning and converting the penalty. His 19th goal of the campaign came after he outmuscled Llorente and drew the foul from Hancko.
Atletico improved after half-time, with Simeone switching to a back three. Alvarez equalised with a well-taken penalty after a handball decision. The hosts pushed for a winner, with substitute Nahuel Molina firing just over in stoppage time, but the draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of next week's second leg in London.
