Atléti

MADRID — A penalty from both Viktor Gyökeres and Julián Álvarez resulted in a 1-1 draw between Atlético Madrid and Arsenal during the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal. Following the exciting display between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich the day before, Wednesday’s match at the Metropolitano was predictably a tighter contest.

Gyökeres opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 44th minute after being fouled inside the box by Atlético’s Dávid Hancko.

Atlético responded after the break with Álvarez converting a penalty in the 56th minute, awarded due to a handball by Ben White.

Late in the match, Arsenal was awarded another penalty, but referee Danny Makkelie overturned his decision after a VAR review, determining that Hancko had not fouled substitute Eberechi Eze. The tie remains delicately poised ahead of next week’s second leg in north London. — Alex Kirkland

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Second UCL Semifinal in the Shadow of PSG-Bayern

It’s fair to say that almost any match would have struggled to meet the expectations set by the nine-goal thriller between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich just 24 hours prior. While Wednesday’s match wasn’t terrible, it only truly ignited in the second half, particularly after Álvarez’s equalizer. Ultimately, the game closed with two penalties and no goals from open play.

This match featured more shots overall—29 compared to 22 in Paris—but the attacking prowess on display at the Metropolitano paled in comparison. Arsenal might feel aggrieved that they weren’t awarded a third penalty for a Hancko challenge in the box—initially given but later overturned after a lengthy VAR review. Both sides squandered opportunities, leaving doubts about who is likely to emerge as the Champions League winner. — James Olley

Julián Álvarez Does It All for Atlético

At times during Wednesday’s match, it felt as though Álvarez was the heart of Atlético Madrid: their most threatening forward, creative playmaker, and composed midfielder all rolled into one.

Just 13 minutes into the game, only a fantastic save from Arsenal goalie David Raya kept Álvarez from giving Atlético an early lead. He consistently dropped back into midfield to assist with building attacks, which at times left only Antoine Griezmann and a struggling Ademola Lookman up front.

In the second half, many at the Metropolitano thought Álvarez’s free kick had struck the post, but it instead drifted wide. When it came time to convert the penalty for the equalizer, he executed it flawlessly.

Now with ten Champions League goals this season, Álvarez has set a club record for Atlético Madrid in this competition. Only Lionel Messi has achieved double-digit goals in a Champions League season among Argentine players.

When Álvarez was substituted in the 77th minute, he was replaced by midfielder Álex Baena, highlighting the withdrawn role he played. Atlético was notably less threatening without him, and if he departs this summer, it would be a significant loss. Diego Simeone acknowledged the interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona in Álvarez, labeling it “normal” given his ability. Based on his performance, it’s hard to disagree; he would enhance any squad. — Kirkland

Arsenal Prioritize Functionality Over Flair

The Gunners faced some criticism for focusing on pragmatism and control rather than flair, but they found a good balance in this match.

The first half exemplified the classic European away game: establishing control and managing to score before halftime. Although they lost their composure after Atlético’s equalizer, Arteta’s decisive substitutions—bringing on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard—helped restore their grip on the game.

Arteta is well aware that it’s been 20 years since Arsenal reached a Champions League final and is determined to avoid any missteps that could jeopardize their chances. They are now unbeaten in 13 games in this competition, matching their longest streak. This performance was an improvement over their previous away matches at Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting CP, bringing them significant steps closer to the showpiece in Budapest, Hungary, as they try to validate their approach. — Olley

Atlético Fail to Capitalize on Home Advantage

In the end, this feels like a missed opportunity for Atlético. They registered 18 shots, created 13 chances—two classified as significant by Opta for Lookman—with an xG of 2.22. However, they found the net only once, from the penalty spot, leaving them to take a draw back to the Emirates next week when a victory was within reach.

Despite this, the home team should not be overshadowed; they delivered a commendable performance in their first Champions League semifinal in nine years. They did not falter in the big moment, starting strong, although they faded slightly before halftime. However, after the break, Álvarez, Lookman, and Griezmann all had chances before Álvarez scored his penalty.

While they’ll feel pride in their effort, there will also be regret. One of Simeone’s favorite concepts in football is contundencia, referring to being clinical or decisive in critical moments. Atlético fell short in this aspect, which could cost them. — Kirkland

Gyökeres Steps Up … Then Fades Away

Gyökeres has proven to be a peculiar player. For the first 45 minutes, he epitomized what Arsenal required: holding up play, vigorously pressing Atlético, and being precise when given chances. He finished the first half with 10 touches but had just five in the 24 minutes after the break as Arsenal lost their grip on the match. In fact, between the restart and the 63rd minute, he touched the ball only once.

The irony is that he might not have started this match had Kai Havertz been fit. Nevertheless, he stands just one goal shy of 20 in all competitions, the first player to achieve this since Saka did two years ago. His numbers suggest a respectable first season in England since his summer transfer from Sporting CP. Yet, the lingering question remains: Can he step up in the crucial moments that Arsenal expect from their big-money No. 9? The jury is still out. — Olley