Penalty drama at both ends as Arsenal draw at Atletico Madrid

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026 - 22:06

By Philip Duncan, Press Association, Madrid

Arsenal’s bid to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years hangs in the balance after a controversial 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in Spain.

Viktor Gyokeres fired Arsenal into the lead with a penalty after he was fouled by David Hancko in the area in the last minute of the first half.

However, Julian Alvarez also scored from the spot when Marcos Llorente’s volley struck Ben White’s hand following a VAR review with 56 minutes gone.

Eberechi Eze reacts after the referee overturned the penalty awarded to Arsenal (Adam Davy/PA)

After Antoine Griezmann struck the crossbar, Arsenal were then denied a chance to restore their lead when referee Danny Makkelie overturned his on-pitch decision to award the visitors another penalty when Eberechi Eze was sent tumbling by Hancko’s outstretched right leg.

Makkelie watched at least a dozen replays before electing to chalk off the spot-kick which, if converted, would have handed Arsenal a significant advantage ahead of next week’s return leg at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men will still be hopeful of seeing off Atleti to secure their place in the final in Budapest on May 30. The Gunners will now turn their attention back to fending off Manchester City’s challenge to secure a first Premier League title in 22 years with a home match against Fulham on Saturday.