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Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal ahead just before halftime but Julian Alvarez equalized in the second half — both from the penalty spot — in a 1-1 draw between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal on Wednesday.
RECAP, HIGHLIGHTS — PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich
The football wasn't wide open and ruthless in the same way that PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich thrilled the world on Tuesday, but the two typically robust sides traded more chances than punches in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie in Madrid. Arsenal looked better suited to the back-and-forth counter-attacking game that it became in the second half, and their newfound sense of attacking adventure so nearly paid off but for a video-review decision to take away a late winning penalty in the 81st minute.
For live updates and highlights from Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal, check out PST's live blog coverage below.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal live updates – by Andy Edwards
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal final score: 1-1
Goalscorers: Viktor Gyokeres (44' – PK), Julian Alvarez (56' – PK)
NO PENALTY! Referee Danny Makkelie says no penalty after video review (81')
NO PENALTY ❌
VAR saves Atlético from a third penalty in this match pic.twitter.com/M86rgRf4DG— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 29, 2026
GOAL! Atleti 1-1 Arsenal: Alvarez hammers a penalty in the top corner (56')
WHAT A HIT
Julián Álvarez fires in the equalizer for Atlético pic.twitter.com/peQF9AJ7SO— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 29, 2026
GOAL! Atleti 0-1 Arsenal: Gyokeres smashes a penalty after winning it (44')
ARSENAL STRIKE FIRST ⚡️
Viktor Gyökeres clinical from the spot to put the English side in front pic.twitter.com/IBVZRLgvQC— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 29, 2026
Atletico Madrid starting XI
Oblak – Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri – Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman – Griezmann, Alvarez
Arsenal starting XI
Raya – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie – Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard – Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres
How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kick off time:3 pm ET Wednesday (April 29)
Venue:Riyadh Air Metropolitano — Madrid
TV Channel/Streaming: Paramount+
Mikel Arteta's side got their Premier League title quest back on track with a 1-0 win over Newcastle this weekend, putting them three points clear of Manchester City, who again have a game in hand after they advanced to the FA Cup final. Results and performances have been rather unimpressive of late, as Arsenal only snuck past Portuguese side Sporting CP 1-0 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, after losing the League Cup final to Man City and crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of second-division Southampton.
For all of Arsenal's critiques, Atletico Madrid would gladly accept being top of the league at the business end of the season, even if their football hasn't been the most beautiful at times. Atleti are all but locked into 4th place in La Liga, which puts them back in the Champions League next season, but they trail leaders Barcelona by 25 points and there is a real possibility that the club and Simeone part ways in the summer. Los Rojiblancos will pose an difficult challenge for Arsenal, as they both want to set up first to defend and often seem more comfortable playing without the ball.
Atletico Madrid team news, focus
OUT: Jose Gimenez (undisclosed), Pablo Barrios (thigh)
Arsenal team news, focus
OUT: Jurrien Timber (groin), Kai Havertz (groin), Mikel Merino (foot) | QUESTIONABLE: Riccardo Calafiori (undisclosed), Eberechi Eze (undisclosed), Martin Zubimendi (illness)
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal prediction
Scoring chances will be at a premium (in both legs), and it might just be the center backs who make the difference (in both boxes). This one won't be decided until the final minutes of the tie. Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal.
