Julián Ãlvarez's second-half penalty canceled out Viktor Gyökeres' opener, with the Argentine also breaking Lionel Messi's record as the fastest South American to reach 25 Champions League goals in the process.
Gyökeres had given Arsenal the lead just before halftime after Dávid Hancko pushed him from behind inside the box. VAR confirmed the spot kick, and the Swede sent his shot between Jan Oblak's hands to give the Gunners a lead they carried into the break.
Atlético leveled through Ãlvarez shortly after the hour mark when a corner kick led to handball in the Arsenal box — again confirmed by VAR.
Griezmann nearly put the hosts in front moments later, crashing a shot off the bar with Raya beaten, the follow-up deflected away for a corner.
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The drama wasn't done. A penalty was awarded to Arsenal late on after Hancko, the same Atlético defender who had given away the first-half spot kick, appeared to trip Eze in the box — but VAR overturned it, ruling the attacker was already going to the ground before contact was made.
After the nine-goal PSG-Bayern spectacle on Tuesday, this was a tighter, more tactical affair. Both sides had just one shot on goal in the first half, and the pre-match talking point had been Arsenal staff requesting UEFA inspect the Metropolitano pitch over grass length concerns. The grass was fine.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
A 1-1 draw seems a fair result on the night, with both sides leaving Madrid knowing they'll have everything to play for in the second leg at the Emirates next week.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Here's how Wednesday's Champions League action unfolded in real time:
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Yahoo Sports Staff
An eventful, intense second half doesn't produce a winning goal for either team, so both sides will head to the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday 1-1 on aggregate.
Viktor Gyökeres 44' (P)
Julián Alvarez 56' (P)
It was honors even between Arsenal and Atlético at the Metropolitano in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
(Angel Martinez via Getty Images)
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Between the penalty checks and substitutions, there will be a minimum of even added minutes at the Metropolitano.
Will either Atlético Madrid or Arsenal find a winner in this first leg?
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Have a look at this flashpoint moment for yourself:
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Yahoo Sports Staff
After VAR check, the referee was called to take another look and decided to wave off the penalty call against Atlético Madrid!
Dávid Hancko's step to Eberechi Eze goes unpunished beyond the yellow card for what looked like dissent.
Still 1-1 at an intense Metropolitano!
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Yahoo Sports Staff
It's Hancko once again who gives the other side a chance after tripping Eze inside the box. The referee didn't hesitate to point to the spot. After a VAR review, the ref's decision is overturned and the Metropolitano erupts with relief.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Alvarez looks unwell and is replaced by Baena.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Lookman had an open shot in the middle of the box after sending his defender the other way, but he kicked it directly toward Raya, who was ready and denied the go-ahead goal to keep things even.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Arsenal makes three changes: Trossard replaces Martinelli, Saka in for Madueke and Jesus subs in for Gyokeres.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The equalizer has seemingly rejuvenated AtletÃ, but Griezmann is unable to capitalize on the momentum with a shot into the crossbar before getting his rebound shot deflected.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Julián Ãlvarez drills the penalty kick into the top left corner after a Llorente shot hit the arm of White. Handball was confirmed by VAR and now we’re even on the scoreboard.
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Atleti nearly had the the equalizer after a blocked Lookman shot on the 1-v-1 break fell in front of a streaking Griezmann who couldn't control his angle as the Frenchman kicks it way over Raya.
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Viktor Gyökeres' 44th-minute penalty — earned after Dávid Hancko pushed him from behind and confirmed by VAR — has Arsenal up 1-0 at halftime against Atlético Madrid in their Champions League semifinal at the Metropolitano, though the half's biggest halftime news may be that Simeone was subbed out for Le Normandwas at the break.
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Sean Leahy
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Sean Leahy
Gyökeres fired his PK chance to the right of a diving Jan Oblak. The Gunners go up 1-0 minutes before halftime.
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Sean Leahy
Gyökeres draws the foul after being pushed from behind by Atleti's Dávid Hancko
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Sean Leahy
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Sean Leahy
Atleti built slowly and Julián Ãlvarez displayed some brillant control at the top of the Arsenal box. He managed to create space for a shot, but Raya dove across his line to parry the ball out for a corner kick.
Soccer Football – UEFA Champions League – Semi Final – First Leg – Atletico Madrid v Arsenal – Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – April 29, 2026 Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez reacts after missing a chance to score REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
(REUTERS / REUTERS)
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Sean Leahy
Atleti has been dominating possession early on with majority of the first five minutes of the match being spent in Arsenal's half. The Gunners did counter with Noni Madueke floating a cross across the box, but Piero Hincapié's chance hits the side of the net.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Piero Hincapie of Arsenal shoots during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Metropolitano Stadium on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Julian Finney – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
(Julian Finney – UEFA via Getty Images)
Champions League semifinals
April 28: PSG 5, Bayern Munich 4
April 29: Atlético Madrid 1, Arsenal 1
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May 5: Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid
May 6: Bayern Munich vs. PSG
All matches will kickoff at 3 p.m. ET
Final: May 30 (Puskás Aréna, Hungary)
