UCL: Alvarez penalty earns Atletico 1-1 draw with Arsenal in Madrid

Julian Alvarez’s second-half penalty earned Atletico Madrid a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg clash at the Civitas Metropolitano in Madrid on Wednesday.

Viktor Gyokeres gave the Premier League leaders the advantage from the penalty spot just before half-time after being fouled, but Alvarez levelled 10 minutes into the second half following a handball by Ben White.

Arsenal were left frustrated late on when a penalty decision was overturned after VAR review, with David Hancko adjudged to have made only minimal contact with Eberechi Eze in the area.

“We were the team we have to be. If we play at this level, we can win,” said Atletico captain Koke. “From my point of view, they didn’t create much danger… the team defended well, and they just had that penalty.”

Atletico started brightly and pinned back Mikel Arteta’s side, with David Raya tipping Alvarez’s early effort wide.

Arsenal struggled to assert control but threatened on the break, with Martin Odegaard denied by Marc Pubill. Noni Madueke also came close with a long-range effort.

The breakthrough came when Gyokeres was brought down in the box by Hancko after linking up with Martin Zubimendi.

Despite protests from Antoine Griezmann and coach Diego Simeone, VAR upheld the decision, and Gyokeres converted emphatically.

Raya denied Ademola Lookman before Gabriel Magalhaes blocked Griezmann’s follow-up.

The hosts equalised when White handled Marcos Llorente’s shot, allowing Alvarez to fire home from the spot with power and precision.

Atletico dominated for long spells, but Arsenal’s disciplined defending ensured they left Madrid in a strong position as they bid to reach the final for the first time in 20 years.

The two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday to determine who will reach their first Champions League final in decades.