Arsenal were held to a 1–1 draw by Atlético Madrid in a tense UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg marked by major VAR controversy.

The match saw both goals scored from the penalty spot, with Viktor Gyökeres giving Arsenal the lead before halftime after converting a spot-kick. Atlético responded in the second half through Julián Álvarez, who equalised following a VAR-reviewed handball decision.

The game’s defining moment came late in the match when Arsenal were awarded a second penalty after Eberechi Eze was brought down in the box. However, after a prolonged VAR review, referee Danny Makkelie overturned the decision, sparking protests from Arsenal players and officials.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration after the match, questioning the reversal and insisting the contact warranted a penalty.

Despite the controversy, both teams delivered a competitive performance, with Atlético improving after their equaliser while Arsenal maintained pressure throughout.

The result leaves the tie evenly poised ahead of the return leg in London, where both sides will compete for a place in the Champions League final.