Champions League: Arsenal and Atletico Madrid play out 1-1 draw
What's the story
Arsenal's quest for a second-ever Champions League final appearance was dealt a blow as they drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final. The match, played at the Metropolitano Stadium, saw Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal ahead from the spot after he was fouled by David Hancko. However, Julian Alvarez equalized for Atletico with another penalty after Ben White was penalized for handball following a VAR check.
Controversy
Controversial scenes in the 2nd half
The match took a controversial turn in the 78th minute when referee Danny Makkelie awarded a third penalty of the game after Eberechi Eze went down following a challenge by Hancko. However, after consulting VAR, he was sent to the monitor and the decision was reversed. Despite the penalty controversy, Arsenal controlled the first half of the match and then ended the 2nd half as the better side.
Match dynamics
Key details of the contest
Gyokeres showcased his calmness as Arsenal went ahead in the 44th minute. The first half was pretty comfortable for Mikel Arteta's men. However, Atletico came out strong in the second half with Alvarez sending a free-kick just wide and Antoine Griezmann hitting the crossbar. Moments later, Alvarez scored to equalize for the home side. Ademola Lookman then missed a clear chance from inside the box. Arsenal continued to push for a late winner, with substitute Cristhian Mosquera forcing a save from Jan Oblak.
Information
Gyokeres races to 19 goals for Arsenal this season
Gyokeres has raced to 19 goals for Arsenal this season. The star striker has made 49 appeaerances for the club in his debut season since joining from Sporting. In 11 Champions League matches this season, he has scored 5 goals (A2).
Do you know?
Alvarez attains this Champions League record
Alvarez is now the quickest Argentinian to 25 Champions League goals (by matches). Alvarez attained the mark in his 41st appearance. He broke the record by Lionel Messi (42 matches). Sergio Aguero is next (48 matches).
Stats
Arsenal post these unique feats
As per Opta, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice had the most touches (99) and completed the most passes (83) of any player in this week's Champions League semi-final games. Arsenal have matched their longest ever unbeaten run in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League, going 13 consecutive games without defeat for the second time. They did so previously between March 2005 and April 2006 (13).
Alvarez
Alvarez gets to 49 goals for Atletico
Alvarez now owns 10 goals in the Champions League this season. As per Opta, he is only the second player to reach at least ten goals Atletico in a single major European competition season after Radamel Falcao in the UEFA Europa League (12 goals in 2011-12). In 105 matches for Atletico in all competitions, Alvarez now owns 49 goals across two seasons. 17 of his goals have come in the Champions League. This season, he has 20 goals in 48 matches.