90+7' - Full time

The match comes to an end at the Metropolitano. Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal share the spoils, with everything to be decided in the second leg.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

80' - VAR overturns decision

After reviewing the play, the referee reverses the call and cancels the penalty for Arsenal. The score remains unchanged.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

78' - Penalty given and yellow card

The referee awards a penalty after Dávid Hancko commits a foul inside the box and also shows him a yellow card.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

77' - Julián Álvarez forced off

Concern for Atlético de Madrid as Julián Álvarez is forced off after appearing to twist his ankle. Álex Baena comes on to replace him. This could be a key moment in the tie.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

69' - Another switch for the Gunners

Gabriel Jesus comes on for Viktor Gyökeres, who exits after scoring Arsenal’s opener.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

68' - Triple change for Arsenal

Big changes from the Arsenal bench as Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard replace Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli to inject energy into the attack.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

56' - GOAL! Atlético level it

Julián Álvarez steps up and converts from the spot with a right-footed finish to bring Atlético back into the game.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Arsenal

55' - VAR awards penalty to Atlético

After a VAR review, the referee points to the spot for Atlético de Madrid following a sequence that began with Marcos Llorente’s chance inside the box.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-1 Arsenal

53' - Atlético push hard

A flurry of chances for Atlético de Madrid. Antoine Griezmann sees two efforts blocked inside the box, before Ademola Lookman fires a shot that is safely handled by the goalkeeper after a setup from Julián Álvarez.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-1 Arsenal

49' - Atleti threaten from a set piece

Julián Álvarez takes the free kick with power, sending it just wide of the right post. A very close call for Atlético.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-1 Arsenal

45' - Atlético make a change

Robin Le Normand comes on at halftime, replacing Giuliano Simeone as Atlético look to reshape things for the second half.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-1 Arsenal

45' - Second half begins!

The action resumes at the Metropolitano. Atlético de Madrid look to bounce back, while Arsenal aim to protect their lead.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-1 Arsenal

45+2' - Halftime

The first half comes to an end at the Metropolitano with Arsenal in front after a crucial penalty. Atlético de Madrid will need a response in the second half.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-1 Arsenal

44' - GOAL! Arsenal take the lead

Viktor Gyökeres calmly converts from the spot, sending a low shot into the left corner. Arsenal strike first before halftime.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-1 Arsenal

42' - Penalty for Arsenal

The referee points to the spot after Dávid Hancko brings down Viktor Gyökeres inside the box. Big chance for the Gunners to take the lead.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-0 Arsenal

23' - Play resumes

Action resumes at the Metropolitano after treatment for Gyökeres, who is fit to continue.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-0 Arsenal

22' - Play stopped due to injury

The match is temporarily halted following a collision between Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke. Gyökeres is lying on the field.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-0 Arsenal

14' - Atleti respond

Julián Álvarez fires a right-footed shot from outside the box, but the Arsenal goalkeeper reacts well and makes a clean save.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-0 Arsenal

6' - Arsenal threaten early

Piero Hincapié gets on the end of a dangerous cross from Noni Madueke, but his left-footed effort from close range drifts wide of the left post.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-0 Arsenal

1' - Kick-off!

The game is underway at the Metropolitano Stadium. Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal get this Champions League semifinal started in a high-intensity atmosphere right from the opening whistle.

Score: Atlético de Madrid 0-0 Arsenal

Atlético Madrid Starting XI

Arsenal Starting XI

Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal: a semifinal with unfinished business

Atlético Madrid and Arsenal face off on April 29 in the first leg of the Champions League 2026 semifinals, in a match set to deliver tension from the very first minute at the Metropolitano Stadium. After the spectacle between PSG and Bayern, the bar is high—and now it’s their turn to respond.

Diego Simeone’s side returns to this stage for the first time since the 2016–2017 season after eliminating Barcelona with a 3-2 aggregate score. On the other side, Mikel Arteta’s team reaches the final four once again, confirming their rise among Europe’s elite.

Both clubs share a similar story in the competition: consistent contenders, but still without lifting the trophy. Atlético has lost three finals—two against their eternal rivals—while the ‘Gunners’ have only reached one, back in 2006.

Inconsistent form raises serious concerns

Despite the magnitude of the match, neither team arrives in top form. Atlético de Madrid is going through a worrying run: just two wins in their last nine matches and 18 goals conceded during that stretch. According to reports close to the club, both physical and mental fatigue are becoming major factors.

Additionally, the Spanish side is still dealing with the blow of losing the Copa del Rey final, making the Champions League their last real shot at silverware this season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, is also struggling with consistency. They have suffered four defeats in their last seven matches, although a crucial win over Newcastle keeps them in the Premier League title race.

Key returns and absences that could define the tie

The Spanish side welcomes back crucial players. Julián Álvarez, with nine goals in the tournament, is expected to be a decisive figure. Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak also return—two leaders capable of shifting the balance.

However, there are important absences. José María Giménez, Pablo Barrios, and Nico González are all ruled out, with the latter being particularly significant after his recent injury.

For Arsenal, the return of Bukayo Saka is a major boost, adding firepower to their attack. Eberechi Eze is also available, while Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié is expected to start.

Still, key players will be missing: Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber are unavailable, forcing Arteta to adjust his tactical setup.

Simeone vs Arteta: a tactical battle with history at stake

Beyond the names, this match is a clash of styles. Simeone’s trademark intensity and defensive structure go up against Arteta’s possession-based and dynamic attacking approach.

There is history between them: a Europa League semifinal where Atlético came out on top. Now, the stakes are much higher, with a place in the final against the winner of PSG vs Bayern on the line.

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