Sports
Arsenal, Atletico swap penalty goals to draw in Champions League semifinals
MADRID — Atletico Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday.
It was a gritty encounter in Madrid between the clubs trying to return to the final after a long absence and looking to win the European title for the first time.
It was a harsh contrast to Tuesday’s semifinal, when defending champion Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thriller in France.
Viktor Gyökeres put Arsenal ahead at the Metropolitano stadium by converting a 44th-minute penalty kick. Julián Alvarez equalized for Atletico — also from the penalty spot — in the 56th.
Arsenal was awarded another penalty in the 78th after Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko inside the area, but the call was overturned — several moments later — after a video review.
The second leg is next Tuesday in England.
Atletico last made it to the Champions League final in 2016, when it lost city rival Real Madrid.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login