Atlético will believe in UCL final chances after unlucky Arsenal draw
The only controversy is that Atleti didn’t win.
TOPSHOT - Atletico Madrid's French forward #07 Antoine Griezmann, Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (C) and Atletico Madrid's Spanish midfielder #14 Marcos Llorente (R) fight for the ball during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on April 29, 2026. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Atlético Madrid played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie with Arsenal that many have branded as “controversial. ” 🏴❌ Jamie Carragher: "Atleti's penalty for Ben White's handball?
It’s winding me up! The thought of a Champions League final being decided on that. It’s not right, it’s not fair, it’s a stain on the Champions League.
" [via @CBSSportsGolazo ] pic. twitter. com/4pCsrM4PUC — Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) April 30, 2026 The Gunners took the lead from the spot in the first half before Atleti scored a penalty of their own after the break.
Arsenal’s second penalty of the game was overturned after referee Danny Makkelie changed his decision to award a foul on Eberechi Eze by Dávid Hancko. VAR aside and it was Atlético who had more, and better, chances but were unable to convert anything from open play. Here are Into the Calderón’s key takeaways from this attritional first battle of the Simeone-Arteta war.
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