ATLETICO MADRID 1-1 ARSENAL: Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez traded penalties to leave Arsenal's Champions League semi-final with Atletico Madrid finely poised after the first-leg
Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead with a first-half penalty
Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead with a first-half penalty
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Arsenal's Champions League semi-final remains in the balance after they drew their first-leg with Atletico Madrid after a controversial late VAR call.
The Gunners, seeking to reach a first final in 20 years, took the lead at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano late following a first-half in which they looked more than comfortable. Viktor Gyokeres was fouled but dusted himself off to hammer home the game's opener from 12 yards.
Arsenal, whose Premier League form has tailed off, had to weather a second-half storm from the hosts, who were always going to have to up their level. Julian Alvarez, himself linked with a summer switch to the Emirates, stepped up to provide the equaliser.
The Argentine had seen a free-kick go narrowly wide before a Ben White handball presented him with the chance to fire him from 12 yards.
Antoine Griezmann would hit the woodwork with a sensational effort before Ademola Lookman spurned his lines with the goal at his mercy, firing straight at David Raya. The visitors thought they had the third spot kick of the night, only for VAR to help overturn a challenge on Eberechi Eze, which was initially given.
Here are our player ratings from the Spanish capital.
Made sensational saves from Lookman and Alvarez. No chance on Alvarez penalty.
Good defensively but offered less going forward. Unlucky to concede a penalty.
Composed and good on the ball, stepped out of defence and also read danger.
Strong in defence with some excellent blocks, one in the second half was sensational.
Julian Alvarez fired home Atletico Madrid's leveller
Julian Alvarez fired home Atletico Madrid's leveller
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Was terrific again. Marauding runs down the left and was so strong in defence.
Neat and tidy, kept the ball under pressure and used it well. Better performance.
This was Rice at his best. Always looking for the ball, driving forward and was outstanding.
After his rabble-rousing pre-match message, the players really responded to their captain.
Declan Rice produced a stellar showing in the middle of the pitch
Declan Rice produced a stellar showing in the middle of the pitch
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