Trending 
Julian Alvarez scored from the spot to earn Atletico Madrid a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in a tense first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
Viktor Gyokeres had given Arsenal the lead just before half-time after being fouled, calmly converting from the penalty spot. However, Atletico responded early in the second half when Alvarez converted another penalty following a handball by Ben White.
Arsenal were left frustrated late on after a penalty initially awarded for a challenge by David Hancko on Eberechi Eze was overturned after a VAR review.
Despite Atletico dominating large spells of the match, Arsenal’s defensive resilience ensured they left Madrid with the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in London.
Played at the Metropolitano Stadium, the encounter lacked the high-scoring drama seen in Paris Saint-Germain’s win over Bayern Munich the previous night, but made up for it with intensity and caution from both sides.
David Raya was called into action early, tipping Alvarez’s effort wide, while Arsenal struggled to impose themselves despite manager Mikel Arteta urging control.
The breakthrough came when Gyokeres was brought down after combining with Martin Zubimendi, with the Swedish forward smashing home the resulting penalty past Jan Oblak.
Atletico, coached by Diego Simeone, came out strongly after the break. Raya denied Ademola Lookman, while Antoine Griezmann struck the crossbar as the hosts pushed for a winner.
Alvarez’s equaliser came after Marcos Llorente’s shot struck White’s arm, allowing the Argentine forward to redeem himself following a recent penalty miss.
Both sides had chances to take the advantage, with Lookman going close twice, but neither could find a decisive second goal.
Arsenal now return home in a solid position as they aim to reach their first Champions League final in two decades, while Atletico will look to capitalise in the decisive second leg.
