UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid-Arsenal Trade Penalties As Julian Alvarez And Viktor Gyokeres Score

Last Updated:April 30, 2026, 07:21 IST

Julian Alvarez and Viktor Gyokeres score penalties as Atletico Madrid draw 1-1 with Arsenal in UEFA Champions League semi-first leg.

Julian Alvarez’s second-half penalty ensured Atletico Madrid held Arsenal to a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The match at the Metropolitano Stadium was more tactical than explosive, especially in contrast to the high-scoring thriller between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich the previous night.

UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal struck first just before half-time through Viktor Gyokeres, who calmly converted from the spot after being fouled inside the area. Atletico Madrid responded strongly after the break, and their pressure was rewarded when a handball by Ben White resulted in a penalty, which Alvarez emphatically dispatched to level the scores.

The match was not without controversy. Arsenal were left frustrated when a late penalty decision was overturned following a VAR review, after what was deemed minimal contact between David Hancko and Eberechi Eze. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not hide his anger. “I’m incredibly fuming," said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “It’s a clear and very obvious penalty."

Despite the result, Arteta acknowledged the challenge of playing away in Madrid. “Here, you have to suffer," Arteta told Movistar. “Many teams have suffered here, including some of the best in the world. We had some good moments in the match and moments where we had to suffer. The margins are very slim."

Atletico captain Koke was pleased with his side’s response after the interval. “We were the team we have to be — if we play at this level we can win," Koke told Movistar. “From my point of view they didn’t create much danger against us… the team defended well and they just had that penalty."

With everything still to play for, the tie now moves to London, where both teams will look to seize control and book a place in the final.

(With inputs from Agencies)

News sports football UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid-Arsenal Trade Penalties As Julian Alvarez And Viktor Gyokeres Score

Read More