Atletico Madrid and Arsenal battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the opening leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, in a match heavily influenced by key penalty moments.

Appearing in back-to-back semi-finals for the first time, Arsenal were aware of the challenge awaiting them in the Spanish capital. Atletico had gone unbeaten in their previous six Champions League knockout matches against English opposition, making a strong start essential for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Driven by an intense home crowd, Diego Simeone’s team created the first real opportunity, with David Raya producing a sharp save to push Julian Alvarez’s curling effort around the post.

Arsenal settled into the game after that early warning. Martin Odegaard saw a promising effort blocked by Johnny Cardoso, while Noni Madueke threatened from distance but fired wide.

Having enjoyed an impressive run away from home in Europe this season, Arsenal gradually took control as the first half wore on. Their pressure paid off just before the interval when David Hancko clumsily brought down Viktor Gyokeres inside the penalty area.

Gyokeres stepped up confidently, dispatching the spot-kick past Jan Oblak to net his 19th goal of the season and hand Arsenal a crucial lead heading into half-time.

Atletico returned for the second half with clear intent, starting brightly as they searched for a quick response. Julian Alvarez fired a free-kick into the side-netting, while Ademola Lookman was denied from close range by an alert David Raya.

The hosts maintained their relentless pressure and were soon handed a lifeline when Ben White was judged to have handled the ball inside the area.

Alvarez took responsibility from the spot and made no mistake, calmly sending Raya the wrong way with a composed finish to bring Atletico level.

With momentum on their side entering the final half-hour, Atletico came within inches of going ahead in the 63rd minute, as Antoine Griezmann’s delicate effort clipped the crossbar.

The hosts continued to pose the greater attacking threat, but wasteful finishing from Ademola Lookman, along with another sharp save from David Raya, ensured Arsenal stayed level.

Those missed opportunities appeared set to prove costly when Arsenal were awarded a second penalty after David Hancko was ruled to have fouled substitute Eberechi Eze. However, following a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned.

Even with that let-off, Atletico struggled to regain their earlier intensity in the closing stages, allowing Arsenal to stand firm, preserve their unbeaten run in the competition, and carry a favourable result back to North London.

As for Atletico, they will head to the Emirates with confidence despite not securing a win, having advanced from six of their last seven UEFA semi-final ties.