“Some of the best teams in the world fall apart here” — Arteta proud as Arsenal leave Metropolitano with 1-1 draw | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta said he was proud of his side's performance after Arsenal drew 1-1 at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Arsenal will welcome Atletico Madrid to North London for the second leg of their semi-final tie next week, with the score level after a draw in the Spanish capital.

Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal ahead from the penalty spot just before half-time, blasting past Jan Oblak after he had been felled by David Hancko in the area.

Atletico Madrid had the better of the possession and chances, and levelled the score with a penalty of their own. Julian Alvarez emphatically converted after Ben White's handball offence.

Arsenal had a second penalty overturned by VAR, a decision Arteta criticised at full-time. However, the Spaniardsaid he was pleased with the overall performance, admitting 'some of the best teams in the world' have fallen apart at the intimidating Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico have never lost a home Champions League knockout tie to a Premier League team.

"I'm very proud, I said that to the boys. We've handled any kind of context for nine and a half months, which is remarkable. I really value what they’ve done because I've seen some of the best teams in the world fall apart here.

"We didn't get the result that we wanted. The way we planned the game, we wanted to win it, but at least it's in our hands, in front of our people, to be in that final. And in a week’s time, we're going to have the opportunity to do so."

Arteta reserved praise for goalscorer Gyokeres, who came back into the side for the injured Kai Havertz.

The Swedish striker has had his critics during a mixed debut campaign, but produced an impressive performance in Madrid.

"I think he had a very strong first half, especially when we were more dominant. He created the goal and the penalty, and he was ice-cool to score it in the manner that he did.

"The second half changed a little bit, credit to them, but there are a lot of things that we need to do much, much, much better, and I think then we had to change. I think the game changed as well, and we ended up finishing on top."