The result leaves the tie finely balanced before the return leg in London, but Arsenal left Spain frustrated after referee Danny Makkelie reversed his initial call for a foul on Eberechi Eze in the 78th minute, a decision that dominated reaction after the 1-1 Champions League semifinal first-leg draw.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid controversy keeps tie wide open
Arsenal struck first just before halftime when Gyokeres converted from the spot after David Hancko was judged to have fouled him in the area. The finish gave Mikel Arteta’s side a narrow lead after a controlled first-half display.
Atletico responded after the break. A VAR check penalized Ben White for handball after Marcos Llorente’s shot struck his arm, and Alvarez converted in the 56th minute to bring Diego Simeone’s side level.
The hosts then pushed for a winner, with Antoine Griezmann hitting the crossbar and Ademola Lookman denied by David Raya, while Sky Sports’ match report noted Arsenal had to survive a stronger Atletico spell early in the second half before regaining control late.
VAR penalty blow leaves Arsenal furious
The decisive flashpoint came when Eze went down under a challenge from Hancko. Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, but after being sent to the monitor, he overturned the decision.
UEFA explained in a brief statement: “Atleti player, No 17, did not commit a foul on the opponent.”
Arteta strongly disagreed. Arteta told reporters the decision was “completely unacceptable,” adding: “There is clear contact. If you make that decision, you cannot overturn that decision.”
Atletico captain Koke saw the match differently, saying his side had chances to win and that the semifinal would be decided in the second leg. Al Jazeera’s report also highlighted Atletico’s second-half improvement and Arsenal’s defensive resilience in Madrid.
Old scars add context to another tense European meeting
The frustration carried echoes of Arsenal’s 2018 Europa League semifinal against the same opponent. In that first leg, Arsenal were held 1-1 by 10-man Atletico, a result Arsene Wenger said left “a bitter taste” after the Gunners failed to turn dominance into a decisive advantage.
One week later, Atletico made Arsenal pay in Madrid, where Diego Costa’s goal knocked the Gunners out 2-1 on aggregate and ended Wenger’s hopes of a European final farewell.
This season’s rivalry had looked different in October, when Arsenal produced one of their strongest Champions League performances of the campaign. Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Atletico at the Emirates featured goals from Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and two from Gyokeres, giving Arteta’s side confidence that they can hurt Simeone’s team in London.
What comes next for Arsenal and Atletico Madrid
The second leg now becomes a test of control as much as quality. Arsenal will return home feeling they should have had a late chance to win in Madrid, but the draw still gives them a clear path to the final if they can reproduce their attacking edge at the Emirates.
Atletico, meanwhile, will believe the tie remains exactly where Simeone wants it: narrow, tense and decided by details. Their second-half response showed they can unsettle Arsenal, but they will likely need more sustained threat in London to avoid another heavy defeat like the one they suffered earlier in the competition.
For Arsenal, the VAR debate will linger, but the task is simple. Win at home, and the controversy becomes part of the journey. Fail, and the overturned penalty in Madrid may be remembered as the moment the semifinal shifted away from them.
