📹 Only penalties counted? Atleti and Arsenal in fiery 1st semi row | OneFootball

After the nine-goal madness in Paris, this Wednesday (29) featured Atlético de Madrid versus Arsenal.

It was the first leg of the other semifinal of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League.

And the clash played at Atleti’s home, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, ended 1-1.

Gyökeres and Julián Álvarez, both from the penalty spot, scored.

There was also a third penalty — which was eventually overturned after a VAR review.

Attempts and a goal from Gyökeres

The first half was evenly matched in both possession and chances created.

Atleti tried to press right away and, as the minutes went by, Arsenal started to see more of the ball.

The first real chance of the match fell to Julián Álvarez, who forced Raya into action.

Madueke had been trying to make the difference at the other end — including a dangerous effort.

But it was Gyökeres who took center stage.

He won a penalty from Hancko and converted it (44'). 

Atleti on the attack and CONTROVERSY

Simeone took off his son to bring on Le Normand.

The change gave Llorente more freedom — he had been playing at right-back.

And it helped Los Colchoneros improve with the ball.

VAR awarded a penalty for Ben White’s foul after a shot from Llorente himself.

And Julián Álvarez sent Raya the wrong way (56').

It was his 10th goal. Never before had an Atleti player scored so many times in a single Champions League edition.

And the comeback nearly came through Griezmann in his "Last Dance" at the Metropolitano in the UCL before heading to MLS.

Arteta made three changes at once, giving Arsenal a completely different front four.

Then came the game’s controversial moment.

Very close to the play, Danny Makkelie awarded a penalty for Hancko’s challenge on Eze.

But he was called to the VAR monitor and changed his mind. 

The intensity from both teams dropped in the final minutes.

And the tie will now be decided in London.

What now?

The second leg will be next Tuesday (5) at the Emirates.

Another draw will send the tie to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday (2), but in their respective domestic leagues.

Fourth in La Liga, Atleti will visit Valencia (11th) at Mestalla.

As for Arsenal, top of the Premier League with a game in hand, they will host Fulham (10th).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

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