In contrast to the goal-laden 5-4 first leg semifinal between PSG and Bayern Munich, which showcased high-octane attacking power and entertainment, the clash between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid presented a different character. The match was a tactical affair, marked by discipline and calculation, reflecting the distinct philosophies of coaches Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone: one prioritizing control and structured play, the other emphasizing defensive solidity, discipline, and pragmatism in every move.

Atletico supporters created an unexpected and unique welcome at the Metropolitano stadium on the evening of 29/4. Instead of the usual flares, colored smoke, or elaborate tifos, the stands were blanketed in a "rain of toilet paper" as players from both teams emerged for warm-ups, creating a visually striking and lively scene.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the sight of toilet paper covering the stands is not common in Europe. However, in Argentina, this is a familiar form of cheering, symbolizing celebration and support for the team, similar to the multicolored confetti streamers that create the distinctive atmosphere of South American football.

The strong connection between Atletico and Argentinian football also helps explain this display. Coach Diego Simeone is a legendary Argentinian footballer, while key striker Julian Alvarez won the 2022 World Cup with the Argentinian national team.

Viktor Gyokeres earned a penalty and then scored the opening goal in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atletico in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals at the Metropolitano stadium, Madrid, Spain on 29/4/2026. *Photo: UEFA, AP*

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The match unfolded with a relatively open flow, contrary to predictions of a tight and tense encounter. In just the 6th minute, Noni Madueke broke past two Atletico defenders and crossed to the far post, but Piero Hincapie shot wide. Atletico responded with two consecutive chances from Alvarez, including a right-footed curling shot saved by David Raya and a header that went over the bar.

The deadlock was broken in the 43rd minute when Viktor Gyokeres shielded the ball and was fouled by center-back David Hancko inside the penalty area, earning a penalty for the visitors. Coach Simeone waved his hands repeatedly on the sidelines, Atletico players surrounded the referee to protest, and the stands erupted in whistles of disapproval. However, VAR upheld the on-field decision.

From the 11-meter spot, Gyokeres struck powerfully into the bottom left corner. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak guessed correctly but could not reach the ball. The Swedish striker raised his season total to 18 goals across all competitions, including 5 in the Champions League, 12 in the Premier League, and 1 in the League Cup.

At the start of the second half, Atletico intensified their pressure, causing the Arsenal defense to falter after only 10 minutes. Marcos Llorente's shot from the edge of the box struck Ben White's arm. Initially, referee Danny Makkelie did not blow his whistle, but after consulting VAR, he awarded the home team a penalty, despite the ball seemingly going wide and White not intentionally using his hand.

Alvarez then converted the penalty into the bottom left corner, with Raya standing in the middle of the goal, leveling the score. The Argentinian striker became the first Atletico player to reach 10 goals in a single Champions League season, and the second Atletico player to achieve this in a European Cup competition, following Radamel Falcao with 12 goals in the 2011-2012 Europa League.

The following minutes saw a series of missed opportunities. For Atletico, Antoine Griezmann hit the crossbar, and Ademola Lookman's close-range shot was blocked by Raya. Arsenal also had reason for regret as Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice both had close-range efforts saved by Oblak.

The most controversial moment occurred in the 81st minute when Eberechi Eze pushed the ball, then collided with Hancko and fell inside the penalty area. Referee Makkelie immediately blew his whistle and showed a yellow card to the Atletico defender. However, after consulting VAR, he reversed his decision, rescinded the yellow card, and did not award Arsenal a penalty.

The match concluded with a 1-1 draw. The final whistle brought a gradual calm to the tense atmosphere at the Metropolitano. Players from both teams remained on the pitch, shaking hands and even sharing laughs before leaving to applause and cheers from the stands. This result leaves the chances of progression evenly split between Arsenal and Atletico ahead of the return leg at the Emirates stadium on 5/5.

Hong Duy