Julián Álvarez’s second-half penalty canceled out Viktor Gyökeres’ opener, with the Argentine additionally breaking Lionel Messi’s file because the quickest South American to achieve 25 Champions League objectives within the course of.
Gyökeres had given Arsenal the lead simply earlier than halftime after Dávid Hancko pushed him from behind contained in the field. VAR confirmed the spot kick, and the Swede despatched his shot between Jan Oblak’s fingers to offer the Gunners a lead they carried into the break.
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Atlético leveled by means of Álvarez shortly after the hour mark when a nook kick led to handball within the Arsenal field — once more confirmed by VAR.
Griezmann almost put the hosts in entrance moments later, crashing a shot off the bar with Raya crushed, the follow-up deflected away for a nook.
The drama wasn’t finished. A penalty was awarded to Arsenal late on after Hancko, the identical Atlético defender who had given away the first-half spot kick, appeared to journey Eze within the field — however VAR overturned it, ruling the attacker was already going to the bottom earlier than contact was made.
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After , this was a tighter, extra tactical affair. Either side had only one shot on purpose within the first half, and the pre-match speaking level had been Arsenal employees requesting UEFA examine the Metropolitano pitch over grass size considerations. The grass was wonderful.
A 1-1 draw appears a good end result on the night time, with either side leaving Madrid realizing they’ll have every part to play for within the second leg on the Emirates subsequent week.
Right here’s how Wednesday’s Champions League motion unfolded in actual time:
Reside protection is over28 updatesWed, April 29, 2026 at 5:01 p.m. EDT
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An eventful, intense second half doesn’t produce a profitable purpose for both workforce, so either side will head to the Emirates Stadium subsequent Tuesday 1-1 on combination.
Viktor Gyökeres 44’ (P)
Julián Alvarez 56’ (P)
It was honors even between Arsenal and Atlético on the Metropolitano within the first leg of their Champions League semifinal. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
(Angel Martinez by way of Getty Photographs)Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:53 p.m. EDT
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Between the penalty checks and substitutions, there will likely be a minimal of even added minutes on the Metropolitano.
Will both Atlético Madrid or Arsenal discover a winner on this first leg?
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:51 p.m. EDT
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Take a look at this flashpoint second for your self:
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:47 p.m. EDT
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After VAR test, the referee was known as to take one other look and determined to wave off the penalty name towards Atlético Madrid!
Dávid Hancko’s step to Eberechi Eze goes unpunished past the yellow card for what seemed like dissent.
Nonetheless 1-1 at an intense Metropolitano!
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:42 p.m. EDT
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It’s Hancko as soon as once more who offers the opposite aspect an opportunity after tripping Eze contained in the field. The referee didn’t hesitate to level to the spot. After a VAR evaluate, the ref’s resolution is overturned and the Metropolitano erupts with reduction.
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:40 p.m. EDT
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Alvarez appears unwell and is changed by Baena.
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:37 p.m. EDT
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Lookman had an open shot in the course of the field after sending his defender the opposite method, however he kicked it straight towards Raya, who was prepared and denied the go-ahead purpose to maintain issues even.
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:32 p.m. EDT
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Arsenal makes three modifications: Trossard replaces Martinelli, Saka in for Madueke and Jesus subs in for Gyokeres.
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:31 p.m. EDT
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Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:27 p.m. EDT
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The equalizer has seemingly rejuvenated Atletí, however Griezmann is unable to capitalize on the momentum with a shot into the crossbar earlier than getting his rebound shot deflected.
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:22 p.m. EDT
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Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:19 p.m. EDT
Julián Álvarez drills the penalty kick into the highest left nook after a Llorente shot hit the arm of White. Handball was confirmed by VAR and now we’re even on the scoreboard.
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:16 p.m. EDT
Atleti almost had the the equalizer after a blocked Lookman shot on the 1-v-1 break fell in entrance of a streaking Griezmann who couldn’t management his angle because the Frenchman kicks it method over Raya.
Wed, April 29, 2026 at 4:08 p.m. EDT
Viktor Gyökeres’ Forty fourth-minute penalty — earned after Dávid Hancko pushed him from behind and confirmed by VAR — has Arsenal up 1-0 at halftime towards Atlético Madrid of their Champions League semifinal on the Metropolitano, although the half’s greatest halftime information could also be that Simeone was subbed out for Le Normandwas on the break.
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Gyökeres fired his PK probability to the appropriate of a diving Jan Oblak. The Gunners go up 1-0 minutes earlier than halftime.
Sean Leahy
Gyökeres attracts the foul after being pushed from behind by Atleti’s Dávid Hancko
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Atleti constructed slowly and Julián Álvarez displayed some brillant management on the prime of the Arsenal field. He managed to create area for a shot, however Raya dove throughout his line to parry the ball out for a nook kick.
Soccer Soccer – UEFA Champions League – Semi Remaining – First Leg – Atletico Madrid v Arsenal – Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – April 29, 2026 Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez reacts after lacking an opportunity to attain REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
(REUTERS / REUTERS)
Sean Leahy
Atleti has been dominating possession early on with majority of the primary 5 minutes of the match being spent in Arsenal’s half. The Gunners did counter with Noni Madueke floating a cross throughout the field, however Piero Hincapié’s probability hits the aspect of the web.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Piero Hincapie of Arsenal shoots in the course of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Remaining First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Metropolitano Stadium on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photograph by Julian Finney – UEFA/UEFA by way of Getty Photographs)
(Julian Finney – UEFA by way of Getty Photographs)Champions League semifinals
April 28: April 29:
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Could 5: Arsenal vs. Atlético MadridMay 6: Bayern Munich vs. PSG
All matches will kickoff at 3 p.m. ET
Remaining: Could 30 (Puskás Aréna, Hungary)