He Atlético de Madrid reacted in time and drew 1-1 against Arsenal at the Metropolitano, in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, leaving the series completely open for the return in London.
Neither the penalty against nor the goal received just before the break managed to defeat Diego Simeone’s team, which responded with character and managed to even the score also from the eleventh step, with a score from Julián Álvarez.
Beyond the result, the Atlético left good feelings, especially in the second half, where it was superior and generated the clearest chances, although it lacked definition to win.
The atmosphere at the Metropolitano was key. With a full stadium and fans that never stopped cheering, the red and white team played with intensity and personality against one of the strongest rivals in the tournament.
Arsenal took the lead in the 44th minute, after a penalty awarded by the referee after a controversial play. Gyokeres was in charge of converting and making it 0-1, in an action that generated complaints from Atlético, but which was confirmed by the VAR.
In the second half, the Spanish team came out determined to find an equalizer. J.Ulián Álvarez warned first with a free kick that was close to the goal, and then tied the game from the penalty spot.
From there, Atlético took control. Griezmann was close to scoring, but the ball hit the crossbar, while other arrivals failed to materialize.
The match concludes with a draw on the scoreboard. pic.twitter.com/vHO7tu8F2p
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) April 29, 2026
The team also suffered some physical discomfort, such as those of Giuliano Simeone and Álvarez himself, who had to leave in the final stretch of the match. In the final minutes, the VAR once again took center stage by annulling a possible penalty in favor of Arsenal, which maintained the tie until the final whistle.
With this result, everything will be defined at the Emirates Stadium, where Atlético will arrive alive and with the feeling that they can compete face to face for a ticket to the final.