Atlético Madrid 1-1 Arsenal: Victor Goqueres and Julian Álvarez exchanged penalties that send Arsenal out of the Champions League semi-final, with Atlético Madrid back on track after the first leg.
Victor Gokeres gave Arsenal the lead with a first-half penalty.
Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final spot remains undecided after a controversial late VAR decision resulted in a draw in the first leg with Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners, aiming to reach their first final in 20 years, took the lead in the closing stages after a comfortable first half at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Victor Goqueres was fouled but brushed aside to score the first goal from 12 yards.
Arsenal, whose form in the Premier League has been sluggish, had to weather a second-half storm from their hosts, who are constantly being called upon to improve. Julian Alvarez, who himself had been linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer, stepped in to score the equalizer.
The Argentine’s free-kick went just wide, but Ben White’s handball gave him the chance to shoot from 12 yards out.
Antoine Griezmann had a sensational shot before Ademola Lookman loosened his line on goal and fired towards David Raya. The visitors thought they had scored their third spot-kick of the night, but thanks to VAR they were able to overturn Eberechi Eze’s first challenge.
Here are the ratings for the players from the Spanish capital:
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David Raya – 8
Lookman and Alvarez made sensational saves. No chance due to Alvarez’s penalty.
Ben White – 6
He was excellent defensively, but his contribution to the front was low. It was unlucky to concede the penalty.
William Saliba – 7
He’s calm and good on the ball, able to break through defenses and read danger.
Gabriel – 7
He was strong defensively, had some great blocks, and his block in the second half was sensational.
Julian Alvarez scores Atlético Madrid’s equalizer at home
Clown Hincapie – 7
It was wonderful again. Marauding ran down the left side and was very strong defensively.
Martin Zvimendi – 6
We were tidy, kept pressure on the ball and used it well. Better performance.
Declan Rice – 9
This was Rice at his best. The way he always aimed for the ball and moved forward was outstanding.
Martin Odegaard – 6
After his raucous pre-match message, the players responded seriously to their captain.
Declan Rice was brilliant in the middle of the pitch.
Noni Maduke – 8
Really good, positive performance in the bottom right. He made things happen and was sharp.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
He contributed to breaking down Atletico’s defense with his good pace from the left side. Decent game.
Victor Gokeres – 8
One of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt. He scored, worked hard and was brave. That’s better!
substitute
Eze vs. Odegaard, 58 minutes, 6
Trossard, substitute for Martinelli, 68 minutes, 6
Saka to Maduke Island, 68 minutes, 6
Jesus, for Gokeres, 68 minutes, 6
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Thetford, Mosquera, Saka, Jesus, Eze, Norgaard, Trossard, Calafioli, Ruiz-Skelly, Dauman, Salmon.
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubil, Hanko, Ruggeri. Simeone (Le Normand, 46), Koke, Cardoso, Lookman. Griezmann, Alvarez.
Subs: Musso, Esquivel, Mendoza, Sorloth, Alex Baena, Almada, Lenglet, Molina, Vargas, Bonnard, Julio Díaz.
Man of the Match: Declan Rice.
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