Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: 5 things we learned from tense and testing Champions League draw in Madrid

Arsenal fought to a draw against Atletico Madrid this evening to give themselves a narrow advantage in their Champions League semi-final tie ahead of next week’s second leg. A first-half penalty from Viktor Gyokeres was cancelled out by Julian Alvarez ’s second-half spot-kick, and the game ended level after a series of saves from David Raya, a superb block from Gabriel and a contentious decision to overturn a penalty after a challenge on Eberechi Eze in the box. While Atletico threatened at times after their equaliser, Arsenal controlled large periods of the game at the Metropolitano, and the result means the Gunners go into next week’s second leg as slight favourites as they look to book a place in a first Champions League final since 2006.

Here’s what we learned as the Gunners earned a hard-fought draw at the Metropolitano. Gunners’ defence makes them tricky opponents The aftermath of PSG’s 5-4 win over Bayern Munich was marked in part by Clarence Seedorf criticising the defending from both sides, with the Dutchman also explaining that Arsenal’s defensive capabilities mean the Gunners are “capable of bringing it home”. The defensive aspect of Arsenal’s performance was once again commendable for the most part, with Gabriel and William Saliba producing solid displays alongside Piero Hincapie.

Ben White’s mistake will capture the headlines after the England international conceded a controversial penalty, but overall it was the Gunners’ defensive capabilities – and how it allows them to control games - that stood out at the Metropolitano. Gyokeres proves worth on biggest stage... It’s been a difficult first season at the Emirates for summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.

Despite the Gunners mounting a title challenge and going deep in Europe, the Sweden international has come under criticism in some quarters for a lack of goals and some disjointed play in general. He has struggled for consistency, and was benched for the Gunners’ last two games before an injury to Kai Havertz meant he returned to the starting XI at the Metropolitano. Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring from the spot after winning a penalty in the first half (Getty) In the end it was a change that paid off for the Gunners, with Gyokeres producing perhaps his best 45 minutes in an Arsenal shirt (at least according to Martin Keown on TNT Sports).