There was controversy in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals when a penalty kick was overturned in the second half after a VAR check.
Referee Danny Markelli pointed out the spot for the third time in the 78th minute of the first half when Eberechi Eze fell due to a foul by David Hanko, but judged that there was insufficient contact and sent the referee to the monitor to change the decision.
Earlier, Victor Gyokeres had blasted Arsenal from the front after being pushed aside by a fellow Atletico player, but Atletico responded with a penalty kick from Julian Alvarez after Ben White was penalized for a handball after another VAR check.
Arsenal, aiming to advance to the Champions League final for the second time in history, dominated the first half but had to withstand Atletico’s attack as the second half began.
Victor Gyoqueres celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s goal against Atletico Madrid.
The excellent Alvarez sent a free-kick wide, Antoine Griezmann hit the crossbar and Ademola Lookman fired straight at David Raya, who should have scored from the center of the box.
Atlético appeared to have a chance to go ahead when Arsenal regained control of the game and Eze went down inside the box and the referee signaled for him to head back to the spot, losing the outstanding Alvarez to an apparent injury.
The home fans cheered when the decision was overturned, but Arsenal continued to apply pressure when substitute Christian Mosquera jabbed Jan Oblak’s palm on the edge of the box.
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring a penalty kick.
Arsenal will feel that the night could have gone better for them considering the penalty decision. But the draw guarantees a positive result for the Gunners when they return to London for next week’s second leg, when they face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
More to follow.
What will happen to Arsenal?
Ahead of the return leg at the Emirates next Tuesday, Arsenal turn their attention to the Premier League title race when they visit Fulham on Saturday. Kickoff at 5:30 PM.
Atlético also took part in a La Liga match ahead of their trip to Valencia on Saturday afternoon.
