Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners draw in hard-fought first leg of Champions League semi-final

Arsenal will return home to London the happier of the two sides after the Gunners secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid . A penalty from Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring for the Gunners in a first half that they completely dominated, though a mistake from Ben White let the hosts back into it in the second half as his handball led to a penalty. Julian Alvarez stepped up to level the game from the spot in what was the last goal of the match, with Ademola Lookman missing a big chance, Gabriel making a pivotal block from Antoine Griezmann and Eberechi Eze having a penalty controversially overturned.

In the end Mikel Arteta ’s side secured a 1-1 draw to take back to the Emirates, and it means the Gunners will be favourites to progress to the Champions League final when the two teams meet in next week’s second leg. David Raya - 8 The Arsenal ‘keeper produced a good save from Alvarez early on and also saved well from Ademola Lookman on two occasions. He was as dependable as usual on set-pieces and crosses too.

Ben White - 5 White was probably a bit unlucky to give away the penalty but he is experienced enough to know not to leave an arm flailing around in the area. He also let Lookman free for great chance in the 74th minute, and was lucky the Nigeria international didn’t go down, as it would likely have been another penalty conceded. White's trailing arm allowed Atletico back into it as he conceded a penalty in the second half (PA) William Saliba - 7 Another solid performance from the Frenchman, who did little wrong as the Gunners dominated the first half.

Arsenal gave up more after the break, but Saliba stood firm under the pressure. Gabriel - 7 Alongside Saliba, the Brazilian was key in limiting Atletico’s chances. He also produced a superb block from a rebound, preventing an almost certain goal from Antoine Griezmann.