Champions League

Late drama, VAR calls and Griezmann magic in Atlético-Arsenal stalemate

Gyökeres and Álvarez scored from the spot in a tactical Champions League battle now heading to London.

JAVIER GANDUL

Patricia Cazón William Allen David Nelson

Update: Apr 29th, 2026 17:32 EDT

The truth is, it was a shame for Atleti. Because they had Arsenal right where they wanted them, worn down in a game shaped by penalties, the only real way Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone could hurt each other. Arteta kept Bukayo Saka in reserve after his return but trusted Martin Ødegaard, while Antoine Griezmann took center stage in what may be his final European night at home. Atlético’s fans turned the stadium into a throwback to the old Calderón, streamers raining down before kickoff. Griezmann, timeless in red and white, dictated the tempo and gave the game its color as everything now shifts to London.

Atlético started like a team marching into battle. High press, intensity, and control, probing without rushing. Arsenal struggled early to reach Jan Oblak’s goal, while Julián Álvarez flashed the first warning, his shot blocked after creating space himself. Arsenal’s first real threat came when Noni Madueke whipped in a dangerous cross that just evaded everyone. Atlético had the upper hand, but Arsenal hinted at danger.

A tactical battle in Madrid

The game soon turned into a chess match. Atlético sat deeper, forcing Ødegaard to search for openings, while Arsenal leaned on their defensive spine. Clear chances were scarce. Álvarez forced David Raya into a save from distance, and Arsenal responded immediately on the break, with Viktor Gyökeres powering forward before the move was blocked at the last second.

The breakthrough came just before halftime. A costly error from Dávid Hancko led to a penalty after he pushed Gyökeres in the box. Gyökeres stepped up himself and, despite Oblak getting a hand to it, squeezed the ball in.

Atleti respond

Atlético responded early in the second half. Inspired by Griezmann, they pushed forward with intent. After a series of chances, the equalizer came when a handball by Ben White was confirmed by VAR. Álvarez hammered home the penalty to make it 1-1.

From there, Atlético surged. Griezmann hit the crossbar, Ademola Lookman went close, and Arsenal struggled to contain the pressure. Arteta turned to his bench, introducing Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Saka, while Álvarez was forced off after a heavy challenge.

Another penalty was briefly awarded to Arsenal late on, but overturned after VAR review. Both teams pushed, but fatigue set in. Atlético came closest at the end, with Lookman narrowly missing a header and Nahuel Molina firing just wide.

It finished level, a contrast to the goal-fest of the other semifinal, but no less compelling. As Nick Hornby once wrote, complaining about a game like this misses the point entirely. The path to the final now runs through London.

Late drama, VAR calls and Griezmann magic in Atlético-Arsenal stalemate

A tactical battle in Madrid

Atleti respond

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