Uefa has sought to explain why Arsenal were denied a second penalty in their Champions League draw away to Atletico Madrid after Mikel Arteta was left “fuming” by a controversial intervention from the VAR.
Eberechi Eze went down in the box after contact by Atletico defender David Hancko, with referee Danny Makkelie pointing to the spot. However, the official was sent to the screen to review the incident and changed his mind.
Arteta was left furious by the decision to disallow and lambasted the incident as “completely unacceptable” and “against the rules”. Meanwhile, a brief statement from Uefa said: “Atleti player, No 17, did not commit a foul on the opponent.”
The teams will resume hostilities for the second leg of their semi-final on level terms after an intense first meeting at the Metropolitano finished 1-1. The opener came courtesy of Viktor Gyokeres, who won and scored a penalty in the closing minutes of the first half to send Arsenal ahead in the tie.
But Julian Alvarez levelled from a spot kick of his own after Ben White was punished for handball. Then Arsenal thought they had been awarded a second penalty when Eze went down in the box but the decision was reversed following a lengthy VAR check.
Relive the updates with our live blog below:
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE
- REPORT: Mikel Arteta has a clear message to send after incident-filled draw with Atletico Madrid
- Uefa confirm why VAR overturned Eberechi Eze penalty incident
- Arsenal draw 1-1 with Atletico in VAR-heavy clash in Madrid
- Arteta fumes at penalty decisions that 'changed the course of the tie'
- Pundits slate Diego Simeone actions in build-up to penalty review
- Inside the decisions, penalties and controversies that defined the game
The decisions, penalties and controversies that defined Arsenal’s draw with Atletico
13:09 , Michael JonesThree huge penalty decisions affected the Champions League semi-final clash with VAR the biggest talking point of the post-match reaction
Inside the controversies that defined Arsenal’s draw with Atletico
Declan Rice claims Atletico Madrid fans ‘provoked’ referee to overturn ‘clear penalty’ for Arsenal
12:25 , Philip DuncanArsenal midfielder Declan Rice has doubled down on Mikel Arteta’s penalty outrage by insisting his team should have been awarded a “clear” spot-kick – and claimed the referee at the centre of the controversy was “provoked” to change his mind by Atletico Madrid’s hostile fans.
Reflecting on the contentious decision, Rice insisted: “It’s a clear penalty. And I don’t know how that’s not been given.
“I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref’s mind.
“Uefa is totally different (to the Premier League). In both boxes, you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything.”
Declan Rice says Atletico Madrid fans ‘provoked’ referee to overturn ‘clear penalty’
5 things we learned from tense and testing Champions League draw
12:09 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s defence makes them tricky opponents, Gyokeres proves worth on biggest stage... but Alvarez shows why he’s a target
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: 5 things we learned as Gunners secure testing draw
Diego Simeone criticised for ‘atrocious’ behaviour during controversial VAR decision
11:08 , Chris WilsonDiego Simeone has come under criticism for pressuring the referee and fourth official as they made key VAR calls during Atletico Madrid’s draw with Arsenal, with Steve McManaman calling the Argentine’s behaviour “atrocious”.
The Atletico boss has long been known for his explosive touchline demeanour, and he was once again at the centre of things as he put pressure on fourth official Serdar Gozubuyuk and referee Danny Makkelie as the Dutchman reviewed a decision to award Arsenal a penalty.
Simeone criticised for ‘atrocious’ behaviour after controversial VAR decision
Mikel Arteta has a clear message to send
10:07 , Miguel DelaneyIt feels like the big question in this semi-final is whether Atletico Madrid can raise it again next week, in much more testing circumstances at the Emirates.
Arsenal still actually have a job to do, after an awkward Saturday home match against Fulham. The time is quickly coming for debates to end and everything to become clear. Mikel Arteta must hammer this message home.
Mikel Arteta has a clear message to send after Arsenal’s draw with Atletico Madrid
'This cannot happen': Arteta on penalty incident
09:14 , Jamie Braidwood“In the manner that we conceded the penalty, we were disappointed. In the Premier League, it’s not a penalty, but here I have to accept that this is handball.
“But what I’m incredibly fuming with is how the hell the penalty on Eze gets overturned in the manner that it happened when there is no clear and obvious error? And this changes the course of the game. And at this level, I’m sorry but this cannot happen.
“When a referee has to watch it 13 times, what is clear about that? It’s impossible and we are all fuming about it. We need to apply the rules.
“When you have fought so hard for nine months to be in this position, that goal could have completely changed the course of the tie. And it cannot happen. I’m sorry. We put so much on it. So, so, so much on it. This cannot happen.”
Ben White and Diego Simeone involved in altercation after Arsenal player walks over Atletico Madrid badge
08:43 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal’s Ben White was involved in a tunnel altercation with Diego Simeone after appearing to anger Atletico Madrid players by walking over their club badge by the side of the Metropolitano pitch.
The Arsenal defender was approached by Giuliano Simeone, the Atletico winger and Simeone’s son, who pointed to the giant crest White had walked over as he went down the tunnel.
Ben White and Diego Simeone involved in clash after walking over Atletico badge
The key decisions in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid
08:19 , Michael Jones78th minute - Eberechi Eze fouled by David Hancko
Perhaps the most controversial moment of the evening as Bukayo Saka feeds the ball into the right side of the Atletico box. Eberechi Eze, fresh off the bench, stretched to beat Hancko to the ball and gets clipped on the foot by the defender. Eze goes down and is awarded a penalty by Makkelie before the game is paused for another VAR check.
Following a lengthy check by the VAR, Makkelie is once again called over to the pitchside monitor as Atletico Madrid’s manager, Diego Simone riles up the crowd and challenges the fourth official on the sidelines. Makkelie takes 45 seconds to watch the incident 13 times before deciding that the contact between Hancko and Eze isn’t enough to cause a spot kick.
He reverses his decision again and Arsenal lose the chance to retake the lead late in the game.
No penalty for Arsenal after the VAR review ❌
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 29, 2026
What do you make of that decision?
Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/PQtuSp9WdW
Uefa confirm why VAR overturned Eberechi Eze penalty incident
08:07 , Jamie BraidwoodUefa has sought to explain why Arsenal were denied a second penalty in their Champions League draw away to Atletico Madrid after Mikel Arteta was left “fuming” by a controversial intervention from the VAR.
Eberechi Eze went down in the box after contact by Atletico defender David Hancko, with referee Danny Makkelie pointing to the spot. However, the official was sent to the screen to review the incident and changed his mind.
Arteta was left furious by the decision to disallow and lambasted the incident as “completely unacceptable” and “against the rules”. Meanwhile, a brief statement from Uefa said: “Atleti player, No 17, did not commit a foul on the opponent.”
The key decisions in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid
07:48 , Michael Jones55th minute - Ben White’s handball
In pursuit of an equaliser, Atletico stepped up a gear at the start of the second half and pushed higher up the pitch. Marcos Llorente received the ball just outside the Arsenal box and took a shot which wasn’t heading on target.
Arsenal defender Ben White blocks the effort and immediately comes the cries from the Atletico players who are convinced he handled the ball. The referee initially waves away the appeals but VAR intervenes and calls Makkelie to the pitchside monitor.
White’s left hand is away from his body and the ball clearly strikes it. In the Champions League these incidents have been given all season and the same happened here, with the referee overturning his initial decision, despite a dispute that ball bounced up off White’s leg before striking his hand.
Julian Alvarez took the resultant penalty and blasted it past David Raya to score the equaliser.
Handball against Ben White and Atletico Madrid have a penalty! 😮
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 29, 2026
What do you make of that decision?
Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/S6H13YrKnl
The key decisions in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid
07:18 , Michael Jones41st minute - Viktor Gyokeres wins penalty
Arsenal had started the match in confident fashion despite David Raya being tasked with stopping a sharp effort from Julian Alvarez. At the other end of the pitch Martin Zubimendi slipped a threaded pass into the box to Viktor Gyokeres who leaned away from David Hancko and went to ground after contact from the central defender.
Referee Makkelie blew the whistle and pointed to the penalty spot as the protestations begin from the Atletico Madrid players and supporters. VAR checked the incident but decided to stick with the on-field decision and Gyokeres drove the resultant spot kick into the bottom left corner.
Penalty for Arsenal at the Metropolitano! 😮
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 29, 2026
Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/336y6uEJXn
Mikel Arteta ‘incredibly fuming’ at overturned penalty decision in Arsenal draw
07:09 , Jamie BraidwoodA furious Mikel Arteta said he was “incredibly fuming” with VAR’s decision to overturn a late Arsenal penalty in his side’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Atletico Madrid.
Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez both scored from the spot before Dutch referee Danny Makkelie awarded Arsenal a third penalty of the night after Eberechi Eze was sent tumbling by David Hancko’s outstretched right leg with 10 minutes of the semi-final first leg remaining.
However, VAR intervened before Makkelie controversially overturned his own decision.
Mikel Arteta ‘incredibly fuming’ at overturned penalty decision in Arsenal draw
Simeone ready to take chance
05:30 , Alan SmithSimeone: "What we have in front of us, an extraordinary challenge. Arsenal, not lost yet in the Champions League - and we go there with everything."
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) April 29, 2026
Arteta's plan pre-Fulham
05:00 , Alan Smith"Make sure they eat, sleep and get a lot of love to make sure they are in the best position,” he told TNT Sports.
Gyokeres looks ahead to home advantage
04:30 , Alan Smith“We know when we play at home with our fans it will be different for sure and we just have to do our job, be at our best. For sure it's going to be a good game,” the Arsenal goalscorer told TNT Sports.
Atletico must raise level
04:00 , Miguel DelaneyIt feels like the big question in this semi-final is whether Atletico can raise it again, in much more testing circumstances.
Arsenal still actually have a job to do, after an awkward Saturday home match against Fulham. The time is quickly coming for debates to end and everything to become clear.
Koke reflections
03:30 , Alan Smith"We gave it our best shot,” the Atletico captain told Movistar. “We started off on the back foot. We had chances to win but it will all come down to the second leg. They defend very well and have some very fast players up front."
Llorente wants to focus on second half
03:00 , Alan SmithMarcos Llorente on whether the tie is still wide open, to Movistar: "Absolutely. They dominated the first half, and we dominated the second. We need to build on that second half."
His reaction to how the match unfolded: "We struggled to win the ball back and were rushing things in the final third. That comes back to haunt you because we don't create that many chances, and we failed to capitalise on the ones we had. We improved in the second half, and that's what we'll take away from this."
Griezmann reacts
02:30 , Alan Smith"We played better in the second half,” the player of the match said. “We also played with more intensity. That's the way to go, and that's what we'll do in the second leg – it'll be a great game.
"We want to reach the final. I've prepared a lot for this match and the one in London, and hopefully we can make it to the final."
Will Arsenal feel pressure?
02:00 , Alan Smith“Arsenal have the possibility of winning the Champions League - which they've never done before - and they have the possibility of winning the Premier League,” Chris Sutton told BBC radio.
“The fact that it's 1-1 now and they go back to the Emirates where it'll be raucous before kick off but there will be the same nervousness because of what's at stake.
“It's a huge game and the expectation will be on Arsenal to win because they're playing Atleti at home, a side they've already beaten 4-0 in the Champions League this season. That will bring its own pressures.
“This isn't a free-scoring Arsenal team, and Atleti showed that they are a very capable team in the second half this evening.”
Up next
01:30 , Alan SmithArsenal will look to extend their gap on top of the Premier League when Fulham visit on Saturday at 17:30 before Atletico come to the Emirates next Tuesday.
Simeone’s side visit Valencia at 15:15 on Saturday.
Is this a penalty?
01:00 , Alan Smith
Enthralling in its own way
Thursday 30 April 2026 00:30 , Miguel DelaneyArsenal could be encouraged but frustrated, if also relieved from one or two occasions. Atletico could be proud, and roused. And if this tie was always going to be compared unfavourably to Tuesday, it did ebb and flow in its own absorbing way.
That’s the thing about this stage of the competition. Obviously you would prefer the spectacle of Paris, but the very tension of being so close to the club game’s greatest fixture guarantees every moment is enthralling in its way.
Keown continues
Wednesday 29 April 2026 23:58 , Alan SmithSome more from the ex-defender on TV. He was furious.
"The Arsenal fans going to the second leg have got to make it equally as horrible for the opposition," he said.
"Look at Simeone, the way he's running around there, honestly, you've got to keep your decorum after a game but something was very wrong there tonight."
Simeone slated
Wednesday 29 April 2026 23:50 , Alan SmithDiego Simeone has come under criticism for pressuring the referee and fourth official as they made key VAR calls during Atletico Madrid’s draw with Arsenal, with Steve McManaman calling the Argentine’s behaviour “atrocious”.
The Atletico boss has long been known for his explosive touchline demeanour, and he was once again at the centre of things as he put pressure on fourth official Serdar Gozubuyuk and referee Danny Makkelie as the Dutchman reviewed a decision to award Arsenal a penalty.
Makkelie originally awarded the Gunners a penalty as David Hancko appeared to trip Eberechi Eze in the Atletico box, though he was sent to the VAR monitor and eventually overturned the original decision after watching 13 replays of the original incident.
Two sides to Atleti
Wednesday 29 April 2026 23:40 , Miguel DelaneyThere were shades of the old Atletico there, the knife between the teeth, the strong challenges where they needed to be. There was a new menace about counters, Miguel Delaney writes of Simeone’s side’s second half response.
Simeone spots weakness
Wednesday 29 April 2026 23:30 , Alan SmithSimeone: "As the game went on, we noticed their fatigue, and the weight of going for the Premier League, trying to win the Champions League. All of that accumulated, and we picked up."
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) April 29, 2026
Five things we learned
Wednesday 29 April 2026 23:28 , Alan SmithArteta 'fuming'
Wednesday 29 April 2026 23:20 , Alan SmithArteta: "What I am fuming with is the decision to overturn Eze's penalty. It's not a clear and obvious error.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) April 29, 2026
"It changes the course of the game.
"We are all fuming with that."
Arteta: "You work for nine months for this, and the rules aren't applied. That can't happen."
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) April 29, 2026
Inside the decisions, penalties and controversies that defined Arsenal’s draw with Atletico
Wednesday 29 April 2026 23:15 , Alan SmithThree huge penalty decisions affected the Champions League semi-final clash with VAR the biggest talking point of the post-match reaction.
There were a series of decision and possible controversies that defined the encounter with referee Danny Makkelie called into action on an evening that will be remembered more for the intervention of VAR than the football played.
Michael Jones breaks down the incidents one by one.
Arteta has a clear message to send
Wednesday 29 April 2026 23:05 , Miguel DelaneyAfter the frenetic carnival of goals came the slow carousel of penalty decisions. And while one semi-final provoked debate over whether it was the greatest game of all time or the quality of the game took it down, the main arguments here were over refereeing calls.
That maybe says enough.
Except, if Arsenal will feel they really should have won this first leg at the Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid’s throwback defiance nevertheless ensured this semi-final is actually more balanced than the operatic back-and-forth in Paris, at 1-1.
It might have been 1-2.
Read Miguel Delaney’s report from a controversial night at the Metropolitano.
Arteta fumes over VAR overturn
Wednesday 29 April 2026 22:45 , Alan Smith“Extremely disappointed and annoyed... very upset. You can’t overturn that decision. It’s completely unacceptable.”
On whether the crowd influenced the decision: “That’s an answer for him but it’s the wrong decision and changes the course of the tie.”
Arteta goes on to say he has no complaints about White’s handball for Atletico’s penalty because we all know the rules are different in Europe.
Player ratings
Wednesday 29 April 2026 22:35 , Alan SmithDavid Raya - 8
Ben White - ?
Declan Rice - 7
Martin Odegaard - ?
Here are The Independent’s player ratings for Arsenal’s draw at the Metropolitano.
Keown fumes at penalty decision
Wednesday 29 April 2026 22:25 , Alan Smith"I simply don't think it was clear and obvious [decision]," Keown told TNT Sports. "The referee should be allowed to referee the game, and the VAR has got too involved. It's not what we wanted with VAR. It's not part of the protocol, really.
"Simeone's actions on the sideline, the drama he creates and the scenes around it, the referee in the end buckled under the pressure and went to the screen, and didn't stand by his decision. I don't think he should have been made to go to the screen."
Gyokeres on penalty decisions
Wednesday 29 April 2026 22:16 , Alan Smith“I didn't see theirs so difficult to say. That's football,” he says on TNT, adding of the Eze reversal: “I don't know why they turn it down, it looks like contact but it's their decision.
“It was not very easy [the game]. Of course they have the crowd here and we always try to play, get back that momentum in first half. Towards the end we got it back a little bit but it was a tough second half.”
Unbeaten run extended
Wednesday 29 April 2026 22:11 , Alan Smith13 - Arsenal have equalled their longest ever unbeaten run in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League, going 13 consecutive games without defeat for the second time – previously between March 2005 and April 2006 (13). Resilience. pic.twitter.com/EoFvc4iSdl
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 29, 2026
Stay tuned for all the reaction from that contest but the initial take from Martin Keown on TNT is one of rage at the penalty decision being overturned, with his attention firmly placed on Diego Simeone’s attempts to convince the referee to reverse his decision.
Let’s just say the former Arsenal defender did not hold back in his reading of the situation.
FULL-TIME! Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:58 , Alan SmithAnd that’s it. They will meet again in north London next Tuesday on level terms.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:57 , Alan Smith90+6’ - This has been rather enjoyable - especially the second half - even if it was nowhere near as dazzling as the other semi-final.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:55 , Alan Smith90+4’ - Or maybe not. Molina shoots and it is a whisker over. He wants a corner, insisting it took a minor deflection, but a goal kick is given, which Arsenal will be grateful for.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:52 , Alan Smith90 +2’ - It’s beginning to look like a truce has been called and both will settle for a draw.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:51 , Alan Smith90’ - There will be seven added minutes.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:50 , Alan Smith89’ - Rice has a go from far out. It’s well wide.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:49 , Alan Smith88’ - That Atletico change is made: Molina on for Cardoso.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:47 , Alan Smith87’ - Mosquera’s first act is to shoot right at Oblak, who parries.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:47 , Alan Smith86’ - Subs for both sides. For Arsenal Mosquera is on for White. Atleti are about to make a change but, actually, play resumes with a throw-in and they’ll need to wait for the next pause.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:46 , Alan Smith85’ - Now Arsenal are beginning to show some reasonable control as we enter the final stages. Already, we look forward to Arteta’s take on the penalty decision being reversed.
PENALTY OVERTURNED! Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:42 , Alan Smith82’ - And they finally reach a decision: no penalty. If it would have stood it would have been soft.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:41 , Alan Smith81’ - Now Makkelie runs to the monitor, which is stationed between the benches. Atletico fans are whistling with fury.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:40 , Alan Smith80’ - VAR continues to check and Simeone wants the ref to check is monitor. Trossard is holding the ball. He hasn’t scored for more than 20 matches. Does he take it if it’s given?
PENALTY ARSENAL! Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:39 , Alan Smith78’ - And Arsenal have another with Eze going down having been tripped by Hancko when receiving a pass inside from Saka. VAR will check again.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:38 , Alan Smith77’ - Alvarez’s evening is over, replaced by Baena, having picked up another bang to the leg.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:35 , Alan Smith74’ - Big, big chance for Lookman! He has to score. The winger does the hard work by spinning White inside the box. But with only Raya to beat, Lookman drills it straight at Raya, who gratefully smothers.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:32 , Alan Smith71’ - Compared to the first period, this second half has flown by but now, for the first time since Atletico levelled, there is a lull that we can only hope is brief.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:29 , Alan Smith68’ - Trossard, Jesus and Saka are on, Martinelli, Gyokeres and Madueke are off. And Arsenal will look to wrest some sense of control back from this game by completely changing their frontline.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:25 , Alan Smith64’ - Griezmann hits the bar before Atletico fire another couple of chances moments later! Receiving a pass from Lookman, the French magician hits the frame with a left-footed lob and Raya looked stranded. Then from the next phase he volleys towards goal. It’s deflected for a corner and that is cleared for another. Alvarez swings that one in and tries to squeeze it past Raya. It’s on target but the goalkeeper palms it over his par. Griezmann takes the third corner and after some ping pong Lookman drills over.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:22 , Alan Smith61’ - Alvarez is down clutching his left leg after being kicked on the shin by Rice in a 50/50.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:20 , Alan Smith59’ - Atletico are now well on top, an unrecognisable force compared to such a meek first half.
Atletico 1-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:18 , Alan Smith56’ - Arsenal substitute: Odegaard is off, Eze is on.
GOAL! Atletico 1-1 Arsenal (Alvarez, pen)
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:17 , Alan Smith56’ - ... and Alvarez makes no mistake. Raya doesn’t even move.
PENALTY ATLETICO! Atletico 0-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:16 , Alan Smith55’ - Llorente shoots and it comes off White’s left hand via his leg. VAR spends some time checking but in the act of consistency - going off last night’s decision in Paris - that has to be given. The ref comes across to his monitor and, finally, points to the spot. Alvarez has picked the ball up and will take it...
Atletico 0-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:14 , Alan Smith53’ - Chance x 2! That’s more like it from Atleti. Lookman shoots straight at Raya and from the rebound Griezmann is denied by Gabriel, who makes a superb block with his right shoulder. His hands are firmly behind his back when he blocks it.
Atletico 0-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:10 , Alan Smith49’ - Chance! Gyokeres trips Cardoso a little under 30 yards out and Alvarez strikes the outside of the net. Some in the crowd think it’s in for a moment before realising it was wide. Either way it’s a clearer sign of intent from the home team.
Atletico 0-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:09 , Alan Smith48’ - Atletico’s shape has changed a little with Le Normand now on. Pubill has shifted forward a little. Will it make any difference? We’re about to see.
Restarted! Atletico 0-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:06 , Alan SmithWe’re back underway, Arsenal get us going again.
The teams are on their way back out. Arsenal will be very, very happy with how things are going so far. But Atletico must surely do something more and there will be a change from Diego Simeone, who hooks his son for Le Normand.
A little bit more on grass gate...
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:54 , Alan SmithArsenal reportedly requested a pitch inspection ahead of kick-off in the their Champions League semi-final first leg tie against Atletico Madrid, with the Gunners’ grounds staff believing that the grass was too long at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Half-time reading: Gerrard on Arsenal's chances
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:52 , Alan SmithBefore the match Steven Gerrard went hard in predicting Arsenal would be too good for Atletico. So far he looks bang on the money.
I think this Atletico team are there for the taking. I don’t think they’re as good as they were years ago, and I don’t think they’re as strong and as solid and as tactical
HALF-TIME! Atletico 0-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:49 , Alan SmithThat has been very good from Arsenal and there are whistles from the home fans directed at the referee - but perhaps it should be their own team for such a limp attacking showing so far.
Atletico 0-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:48 , Alan Smith45+1’ - Lookman fires harmlessly wide. Watching the penalty back, Oblak may be disappointed not to get a hand on it. He went the right way but it was so powerful that it flew between his hands.
Atletico 0-1 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:47 , Alan Smith45’ - There will be two added minutes.
GOAL! Atletico 0-1 Arsenal (Gyokeres, pen)
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:46 , Alan Smith44’ - He who wins it, takes it. Gyokeres drives ferociously into the bottom left corner and that goes a little way to repaying the transfer fee.
PENALTY ARSENAL! Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:45 , Alan Smith43’ - VAR is checking but Gyokeres, fed by Zubimendi two yards inside the box, goes down following a clear shove on the back from Hancko.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:44 , Alan Smith42’ - Atleti break swiftly down the right with a move that finally ends with Alvarez looking well placed to shoot inside the box... until Rice recovers brilliantly to intercept.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:42 , Alan Smith40’ - Martinelli, quiet until now, shuffles in from the left and has a low-odds shot blocked.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:41 , Alan Smith39’ - Hincapie has been excellent. Not content with keeping Simeone quiet, he’s now made a solid block to stop Koke’s delivery.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:39 , Alan Smith35’ - Arteta will be delighted with this so far. Alvarez is now beginning to drop a little deeper to get involved a bit more but Arsenal’s back four are moving as a unit and the midfield is working tirelessly in front of them. No one was anticipating thrill a minute and so it has proved but there is something to admire about how methodically Arsenal are going about their business so far.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:32 , Alan Smith30’ - Chance! Rice does well to beat Lookman to the ball. Odegaard then feeds Madueke, who drives forwards and shoots a yard or so wide with Oblak at full stretch.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:31 , Alan Smith29’ - Half-chance. Alvarez creeps in front of Gabriel but cannot direct a cross from the left on target.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:30 , Alan Smith27’ - Very little of note is happening. Atletico have shaded possession in the past few minutes but Arsenal are not giving them an inch, which means a lot of passing in the U-shape that Guardiola supposedly warns his teams against.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:25 , Alan Smith23’ - Arsenal have their first corner. Madeueke swings it in and Griezmann heads comfortably clear.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:24 , Alan Smith20’ - Bit of a lull now and Gyokeres may require some medical attention for a cut to his lip.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:20 , Alan Smith17’ - Hincapie meets another cross from the right but can’t trouble Oblak. This has clearly been pinpointed as an area of weakness by Arsenal’s coaching staff.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:18 , Alan Smith15’ - Chance! Odegaard has a shot blocked by Cardoso after some really, really nice work in the build-up from Gyokeres.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:17 , Alan Smith14’ - Chance! Alvarez gets his first proper sight of goal after turning Gabriel on the edge of the area.. Raya dives to his left and palms it out for a corner. Griezmann delivers it and Raya punches clear.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:15 , Alan Smith13’ - Now it’s Atletico’s turn to pin their opponents back. Llorente tries to get the better of Hincapie but Arsenal’s left back does well.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:13 , Alan Smith10’ - Good spell from the visitors, this. Atletico have dropped deep and compact, meaning no route through but the home fans are getting frustrated and Arteta will be quite pleased with this spell of sustained possession.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:09 , Alan Smith6’ - Chance! Arsenal make a first, patient foray forward. There’s plenty of possession that looks to be going nowhere until, with the blink of an eye, Madueke breaks through on the right and sends a deep cross towards Martinelli. He just misses but Hincapie follows up and directs a first-time effort wide.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:04 , Alan Smith3’ - Rice does well to shield the ball out for a goal kick under pressure from Lookman following a through ball by Koke.
Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:03 , Alan Smith1’ - An early warning shot as Simeone steals the ball from Hincapie but his pass inside see Alvarez take a pot shot that is easily blocked.
We're underway! Atletico 0-0 Arsenal
Wednesday 29 April 2026 20:02 , Alan SmithAtletico, in their familiar strip, get us underway, playing from left to right as we watch with Arsenal in their dark blue away top, white shorts and socks.
Almost time
Wednesday 29 April 2026 19:58 , Alan SmithTeams are out, the anthem is being loudly whistled and we’re moments away from kick off.
Almost time to go and the Metropolitano is filling up. There have been some reports of trouble outside the ground beforehand with Atletico fans appearing to run away from police who have unleashed tear gas. There is some grainy footage on social media and no suggestion of Arsenal supporters being involved.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE
Wednesday 29 April 2026 19:55 , Chris Wilson
Arteta's pre-match assessment
Wednesday 29 April 2026 19:45 , Alan SmithArteta: “We can’t wait to play. These are the games you want to be involved in... it doesn’t get much better than this.
On Gyokeres: “He’s fresh ... we have options on the bench and can change the game later.”
What he learnt from last year’s semi-final: “Every game is different... you need magic moments, especially need to generate momentum in the right moments.”
Grass gate
Wednesday 29 April 2026 19:43 , Alan SmithAccording to CBS, Arsenal groundstaff demanded that UEFA measure the grass because they felt it was too long. It was measured and, reportedly, below the limit.
Keown's expectations
Wednesday 29 April 2026 19:26 , Alan SmithFormer Arsenal defender Martin Keown is working as a pundit for TNT Sports tonight and - unsurprisingly - expects a very different match to last night’s encounter in Paris.
"We saw an amazing game of football last night that we were in awe of but I think it'll be very different tonight. It will be quite tactical, but Arsenal can score goals,” he said.
"Diego Simeone is a special manager, and you can't help but admire him for what he's done here ... You can't stand on ceremony tonight. You have to give a performance, and I expect that from Arsenal."
Surveying the scene
Wednesday 29 April 2026 19:20 , Alan Smith
The most wonderful time of the year
Wednesday 29 April 2026 19:15 , Alan SmithThis period is footballing Christmas for Martin Odegaard.
Speaking last night, the Arsenal captain said: "It is the best part of the season, everyone is up for it. We know what we play for. Tomorrow is the opportunity to do something special. It is massive, as I said, we're in a great position. We want to take that last step and do something really big."
Arteta on Atletico
Wednesday 29 April 2026 19:08 , Alan Smith"[Atleti] are very strong at both ends, otherwise they would not be here,” the Arsenal manager says. “The energy they create in the stadium, how they believe in it. We have prepared the game to win it.
"I think a lot of the work he's [Diego Simeone] carried out, he has transformed the club in 15 years. The way he has done it, I have always had admiration for these kind of people. He is very connected to the club. He is an absolute role model."
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
