Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, 2nd right, celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during a Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez shoots to score his sides first goal during a Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Atletico Madrid's David Hancko, right, fouls in the penalty box Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres during a Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres scores from a penalty shot during a Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, center, is blocked during a Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)
MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday.
It was a gritty encounter in Madrid between the clubs trying to return to the final after a long absence and looking to win the European title for the first time.
It was a harsh contrast to , when defending champion Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thriller in France.
Viktor Gyökeres put Arsenal ahead at the Metropolitano stadium by converting a 44th-minute penalty kick. Julián Alvarez equalized for Atletico — also from the penalty spot — in the 56th.
Arsenal was awarded another penalty in the 78th after Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko inside the area, but the call was overturned — several moments later — after a video review.
The second leg is next Tuesday in England.
Atletico last made it to the Champions League final in 2016, when it lost city rival Real Madrid.
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