Atletico-Arsenal stalemate leaves all to play for in London

Whereas Tuesday's Champions League match between PSG and Bayern Munich was an attacking tour de force, Wednesday's contest between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal was a chess match between two of the world's most pragmatic sides.

The teams battled to a 1-1 draw in Wednesday's match, which concluded the first leg of the semi-final round. And it was a true battle of clubs who are known more for their ability to grind out games rather than blow down the doors, although each side did enjoy spells of dominant play.

Ultimately, neither the Rojiblancos nor the Gunners could find a winner, with the teams each relying on a penalty kick to supply the goals.

For what it's worth, Atletico won the stats battle, claiming a 51-49 advantage in possession, a 14-8 lead in shots and a 5-2 edge in shots on target. It did not matter in the end though, as Arsenal's steadfast defence was able to bend without completely breaking, putting them on level terms ahead of next week's second leg.

"I think in the first half we controlled the game quite well," Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres told TNT Sports. "We had a few good opportunities and managed to score.

"In the second half they started much better and managed to get a goal and then towards the end we had a few OK chances. Overall it was a tough game, it's a tough place to come but it's only half-time."

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Gyokeres was the goal scorer for Arsenal, who benefitted from a penalty call in the first half. However, the Gunners were also awarded a penalty in the dying moments of the match after Eberechi Eze's foot was stepped on by Atletico defender Dávid Hancko, but a video review convinced the referee to overturn the decision.

"I didn't see either of the penalties so it's difficult to say, but that's football," Gyokeres said. "I don't know why they turned the second penalty down, it looks like contact but it's the referee's decision."

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was less diplomatic about the VAR-influenced penalty reversal, which stood as the defining moment of a match played with razor-thin margins.

"Speaking to the boys and understanding the penalty incident for the second goal getting overturned," Arteta said. "It was against the rules and I don't understand it. Very upset.

"There is clear contact; he makes the decision and you can't overturn it when you have to watch it 13 times."

Frustration aside, the Premier League club will take a draw into next week, when the teams reconvene at Emirates Stadium for the second leg. It will also be the second time these teams clash at the North London venue this season, with the Gunners claiming a 4-0 victory over the Rojiblancos from their league phase meeting back in October.

"We are in an incredible position," Arteta stated. "We have to play in front of our people. It is in our hands."

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