Arsenal’s hopes of reaching just a second ever Champions League final are still firmly alive after a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final tie.
It was a largely controlled, confident performance from the Gunners in Madrid and they took the lead from the penalty spot through Viktor Gyokeres.
Julian Alvarez equalised with a spot-kick of his own after the break, before Arsenal were then denied a second penalty when VAR overturned the referee’s decision to award one for a foul on Eberechi Eze.
That left Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal squad frustrated, but they will believe they can complete the job in the second leg on home soil next week.
David Raya 7
Good saves from Alvarez and Lookman, and had to react quickly to stop a corner swinging straight in. Gave off a calmness to his defence. Gambled staying down the middle for the penalty but beaten by Alvarez.
Ben White 5
Unlucky to concede a penalty when ball bounced off his shin onto his arm. Looked lost when Atletico started to pile the pressure on - weak challenge gifted Lookman a huge chance.
William Saliba 7
Dominated physically and cool on the ball, even on a slippery surface. Almost caught out once when bringing the ball up from defence, but Gabriel bailed him out. Otherwise looked untroubled.
Gabriel 8
Sensational block to deny Griezmann early in the second half. Had some loose moments on the ball in the opening stages, but was brave as ever in throwing his body in the way of danger. Another massive effort.
Piero Hincapie 7
Should have done more when picked out by Madueke on the back post. Dominated his duels, though, winning all four, and gave Simeone and Llorente nothing. Continues to deliver.
Martin Zubimendi 6
Slick combination play with Odegaard to then pick out Gyokeres for the penalty. More advanced role in midfield suited him, with less physicality required on the edge of his own box. Solid display.
Declan Rice 8
Bossed the midfield in the first half, playing in a much deeper No6 role. Ran the show. More of a grind after the break but still so composed and a real leader for Arsenal on the big stage.
Noni Madueke 6
Really sharp early on, creating a chance for Hincapie. Looked more confident with his decision-making and fired one shot from distance just wide. Faded significantly, though, and struggled after the break.
Martin Odegaard 5
Wasted a massive chance when picked out by Gyokeres and his shot was blocked. Involved in the move for the penalty but otherwise very quiet on the ball. Replaced barely ten minutes into the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli 4
No conviction to anything he did in attack. Too hesitant in taking on Llorente and did not have a sniff of goal. Sloppy in possession too - Arsenal have a real problem at left wing if Eze is not there.
Viktor Gyokeres 8
Miles better. Held the ball up well and powerfully ran the channels. Won the penalty and emphatically converted - can always be trusted from the spot. Won all four of his aerial dues in a huge improvement.
Substitutes:
Eberechi Eze (Odegaard 57’) 7
Should have won Arsenal a late penalty but that was ridiculously overturned. Some lovely moments in possession and added a real threat in the final third.
Bukayo Saka (Madueke 68’) 6
One nice burst to beat his man but then overhit cross from the byline. Did not see much of the ball.
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 68’) 3
Bullied off the ball in midfield within seconds of coming on. Then a poor decision to shoot when Hincapie was free to his left. Weak cameo.
Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 68’) 6
Has struggled physically at times this season but he did a job here. Confident in possession and provided a cool head in the cauldron.
Cristhian Mosquera (White 86’) N/A
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