Arsenal is just one match away from clinching a spot in the Champions League final. They will face Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, entering the second leg on even terms after a gripping 1-1 draw at Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.
This closely contested match was largely influenced by set pieces. Viktor Gyokeres netted the opener in the first half following a penalty, while Julian Alvarez equalized from the same spot after halftime.
However, several controversial decisions overshadowed the match, with referee Danny Makkelie’s calls, influenced by VAR, becoming pivotal rather than the game itself. Here’s a closer look at the key incidents that shaped the first leg of this Champions League semi-final:
41st Minute – Viktor Gyokeres Wins Penalty
Arsenal began the match confidently, with David Raya managing to thwart a close-range effort from Julian Alvarez. At the opposite end, Martin Zubimendi provided a well-placed pass to Viktor Gyokeres, who evaded David Hancko and fell after contact from the defender.
Makkelie promptly signaled for a penalty, dismissing protests from Atletico players. After a VAR review, the decision stood and Gyokeres converted the penalty into the bottom left corner.
Viktor Gyokeres was fouled by David Hancko for the first penalty decision (Getty)
55th Minute – Ben White’s Handball
Atletico upped their intensity early in the second half, with Marcos Llorente taking a shot from just outside the box that was not on target. Arsenal’s Ben White blocked the attempt, but Atletico players immediately claimed a handball.
Initially, Makkelie ignored their appeals, but VAR prompted him to review the incident. Upon checking, Makkelie determined White’s hand was away from his body when the ball struck it, leading to a penalty decision after overturning his original call. Alvarez then successfully converted the penalty, equalizing for Atletico.
Marcos Llorente’s wayward shot struck Ben White’s hand resulting in a penalty after a VAR check (PA)
78th Minute – Eberechi Eze Fouled by David Hancko
The evening’s most contentious moment arose when Bukayo Saka made a run into Atletico’s box, feeding Eberechi Eze. Eze, just substituted in, was clipped on the foot by Hancko as he attempted to reach the ball. Makkelie awarded a penalty, but a VAR review halted the game.
82nd Minute – Arsenal’s Penalty Overturned
After a lengthy VAR check and a lot of vocal opposition from Atletico’s manager Diego Simeone, Makkelie watched the footage multiple times before determining the contact was not sufficient for a penalty. His decision was overturned, denying Arsenal the chance to regain the lead in the closing moments of the match.
Eberechi Eze was clipped by Hancko inside the Atletico box but the on-field penalty decision was overturned after another VAR intervention (AP)
Post Match Reactions
The incidents in question became the main discussion point post-match, with TNT Sports analysts Steven Gerrard, Steve McManaman, and Martin Keown expressing their confusion over the referee’s decisions.
“I don’t think it was clear and obvious, and the referee should have been allowed to officiate the match,” said Keown, adding, “VAR has gotten too involved… I felt the referee ultimately gave in under pressure.”
Gerrard agreed, stating, “I’m surprised he was sent to the screen. The contact is minimal, and it’s really unfair on Arsenal to see that overturned as it’s not clear and obvious.”
McManaman summed up fan sentiments, saying, “We’re talking about VAR again, I despise it. It ruins the game. Once it’s given and there’s contact, it shouldn’t be re-evaluated. It’s baffling.”