Atlético Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of the 2025-26 Champions League semi-finals. The match, played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, was intense but with few clear chances. Both goals came from the penalty spot, leaving the tie completely open for the return leg at the Emirates Stadium in London.
VAR technology and analysis of penalty incidents ⚽
The use of VAR was decisive in both decisions. In the 25th minute, the referee awarded a penalty for Gabriel's foul on Julián Álvarez after reviewing a tussle before a corner on the monitor. In the second half, a handball by Reinildo inside the area was confirmed by the system, allowing Saka to equalize. Arsenal's pressure in the opponent's half (62% possession) contrasted with Atlético's defensive retreat, which barely generated danger in transitions. The return leg will require tactical adjustments.
The law of the ex: penalties, the only ones that don't fail 😅
If the teams continue like this, the second leg could be decided in a penalty shootout that lasts until dinner. With both sides specialists in suffering, Arsenal takes a draw that tastes like glory, and Atlético, one that tastes like homework for the return. The best part: the goals came without any striker needing to remember how to shoot on the move.