Both Atlético Madrid and Arsenal, in search of their first Champions League victory, drew 1-1 in the first leg of the semi-final on Wednesday, leaving the suspense intact for the return match in London next Tuesday.
There was little doubt as the kickoff approached that Wednesday’s match at the Metropolitano would not reach the heights of the previous day’s thrilling clash between PSG and Bayern at Parc des Princes. The game was far from a disaster, with the Gunners initially in control but later subdued by Atlético’s intensity. The teams will head to London with some regrets.
The outcome of the first leg (1-1) seems fair, allowing both teams to continue striving to shed their images as perennial losers in their respective countries by securing their first Champions League title.
In response to Gyökeres, Alvarez stepped up for Atlético, who could have been stronger in front of the goal. While there were some avoidable mistakes by defender Hancko, only one led to a penalty, expertly converted by Gyökeres to give Arsenal the lead just before halftime. The other offense was overturned after a VAR review, much to the relief of Atlético’s fans.
This was only Arsenal’s sixth goal conceded in the Champions League campaign, showcasing a less flamboyant approach that has led them to the brink of their second final, twenty years after their first loss in 2006. The more pragmatic style, criticized for lacking attacking flair and being too controlled, has kept their fate in their hands so far.
Credit is also due to goalkeeper David Raya, who made crucial saves against Lookman and denied Griezmann a potential career-defining goal with a crossbar hit. The hope is that it won’t be the French forward’s last chance on the European stage.
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