Penalty apiece delays final verdict: Arsenal save their skin in Madrid
Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 29.04.26. | 23:59
The Gunners were on the ropes against the motivated Atletico, but managed to salvage a 1-1 draw and earn a chance to secure the UCL final in front of their fans at Emirates Stadium
After a nine-goal blockbuster in a clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich last night, no one expected anything similar tonight in Madrid, and their expectations were met. In a game with few chances, a lot of duels and fighting in the midfield, and “only” two goals, neither Atletico nor Arsenal managed to gain an edge ahead of the return leg in London, as the two sides drew 1-1.
Both goals came from the spot, as Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock in the 44th minute and Julian Alvarez equalized 12 minutes later.
Generally speaking, Atleti were way better, especially in the second half, as Mikel Arteta’s men once again tried to defend the lead and ended up exposing their weaknesses and fighting for their lives in the end.
Fortunately for the visitors, David Raya was in a good mood, while Los Colchoneros’ forwards - Ademola Lookman, in the first place - lacked focus in the decisive moments. Atletico had eight more attempts after the break, Antoine Griezmann hit the bar, but luck wasn’t on their side.
The final verdict will come in six days in London, where Arsenal will have to raise their game, as their display in Madrid was far below the level befitting a Champions League final.
Draw between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/GGpcPVznvF
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 29, 2026
In the clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich last night, the opening half brought a staggering five goals. Tonight, in Madrid, it barely brought 3-4 chances.
Arsenal threatened first in the sixth minute through Gabriel Martinelli, who missed a header, and Piero Hincapie, who fired the ball far wide from close range.
In the 14th minute, Julian Alvarez tested David Raya’s focus with a powerful weaker-foot strike from outside the box, but the Spaniard pulled off an excellent save.
As the half-time break approached, the visitors were more concrete, but Noni Madueke’s dangerous long-range effort and Martin Odegaard’s shot in a counterattack, which Johnny Cardoso blocked with a terrific sliding tackle at the last moment, weren’t good enough to open the scoring.
Alvarez’s strike was the only shot on target until the 44th minute, and when everyone at Metropolitano Stadium expected a goalless first half and a break, the Gunners suddenly broke the deadlock!
Atleti lost the ball dangerously close to their box, Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi initiated a good action, the ball reached Viktor Gyokeres, who went down in the box following David Hancko’s tackle, and the referee, Danny Makkelie, had no dilemma.
The Swede sent the spot kick home, putting the visitors in front in the nick of time before the break.
Atletico's Argentinian striker opened the second period with a dangerous free-kick effort, but failed to hit the target. Minutes later, Raya stopped Ademola Lookman one-on-one, while Antoine Griezmann's rebound was blocked by Gabriel Magalhaes. Los Colchoneros pressure was immense and was rewarded with a penalty kick, after Ben White handballed in the area!
Just like Gyokeres, 12 minutes earlier, Alvarez was impeccable from the spot, equalizing the score early in the second half. The game was on with more than half an hour to go!
Carried by the boosted confidence and a roar from the stands after the leveller, Atleti were extremely close to making a complete comeback, but Griezmann's terrific 63rd-minute shot crashed against the crossbar.
The Gunners were on the ropes and Mikel Arteta made four subs in the span of only 10 minutes, hoping that Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard would bring Arsenal an improvement and help them catch their breath.
Nevertheless, Diego Simeone's men continued tormenting the North London side, as Lookman wasted a colossal chance in the 74th minute, firing the ball straight into Raya's arms, despite being all alone in the visitors' box.
The struggling Gunners were on the verge of another fortunate twist in the 80th minute, when Makkelie again pointed to the spot, and again after Hancko's reckless tackle on Eze. However, the VAR room overturned the Dutchman's call.
That was the last notable moment in this game, which, based on all the opportunities, Atletico had to win. Now, they'll have to do it in London, while Arsenal's main task will be coping with the obviously overwhelming pressure.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - SEMI-FINALS
First leg
Tuesday
PSG - Bayern 5-4 (3-2)
/Kvaratskhelia 24, 56, Neves 33, Dembele 45+5 pen, 58 - Kane 17 pen, Olise 41, Upamecano 65, Diaz 68/
Wednesday
Atletico Madrid - Arsenal 1-1 (0-1)
/Alvarez 56 pen - Gyokeres 44 pen/