Arsenal held by Atletico as VAR drama denies late winner

KATHMANDU: Atletico Madrid and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, with late VAR controversy denying Arsenal a potential victory.

Both goals came from the penalty spot. Viktor Gyökeres gave Arsenal the lead just before halftime after converting a spot-kick, despite Jan Oblak diving the right way. The penalty was awarded after Dávid Hancko fouled Gyökeres inside the box.

Atletico responded strongly after the break. Julián Álvarez equalized in the 56th minute from the penalty spot following a VAR review that judged Ben White to have handled the ball.

The hosts pushed for a winner, with Antoine Griezmann hitting the post in what could be his final Champions League appearance at the Metropolitano. David Raya made crucial saves late on, including denying Álvarez and Ademola Lookman.

Arsenal thought they had a chance to snatch victory late when Eberechi Eze went down in the box, but the referee overturned the penalty decision after VAR review, ruling minimal contact.

Atletico extended their unbeaten home record against English sides in Champions League knockout matches (3 wins, 4 draws).

The match also marked the first time Atletico both scored and conceded a penalty in a single Champions League game, while it was the second such instance for Arsenal.

Álvarez’s goal was his 25th in 41 Champions League appearances, making him the fastest South American to reach that mark—surpassing Lionel Messi, who did so in 42 games.

In the other semi-final first leg, Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thrilling encounter.