Not even a penalty against and a 1-0 lead at halftime could not stop Atlético de Madrid under the influence of the Metropolitano, capable not only of leveling the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, through another penalty converted by Julián Alvarez, but also of putting Arsenal in check, including a crossbar (1-1).
There is part of damage, the physical discomfort of Giuliano Simeone and Julian Alvarez himself, changed, but above all there is a vindication of Atletico, for how they approached the game, for how they reacted and for everything they showed against the leader of the first phase of the Champions League, which they could beat in the second half with some success.
Atlético responds with character
It did not have the forcefulness that this type of challenge demands, but it did have many of the qualities it needs to believe that anything is possible in next Tuesday’s second leg at the Emirates Stadium in London:
Character, ambition, personality and soccer, especially in the second half, when they deserved more than they got.
A second occasion remains.
A volcanic atmosphere, the roar of the Metropolitano is pure energy for Atletico Madrid, which fears no one, looks Arsenal in the eye and competes with voracity.
But also the temperament that duels with as many attractions as risks demand.
Detail is essential. Every single second of every single second of every single 90 minutes. No concessions, everything is crucial.
Everything was very measured on the board. There is nothing random.
Simeone is exhaustive like no one else, millimetric in every space.
So did Mikel Arteta. Each figure on the scoreboard played an essential role, each set piece was intuited to be decisive, because the tie was played on the edge, always.
Every event kept each team on edge, until one mistake changed everything.
In the midst of all the equality, a chance for Julián Alvarez, whose right-footed shot was repelled by David Raya, and another by Noni Madueke, with a left-footed shot that frightened Oblak and everyone, a mistake was fatal for Atlético.
An inaccuracy. The Spider’ left a loose ball… And Arsenal activated all its quality.
Odegaard, Zubimendi and Gyokeres, who fell in the area.
Controversial penalty and immediate reaction
The charge was Hancko’s. Whether or not it was enough to bring him down will always remain a question.
Whether the striker, standing alone in front of the Slovenian goalkeeper, did more by falling or by remaining upright.
The referee, Danny Makkelie, pointed it out immediately.
The referee, surrounded by the Atlético de Madrid players, did not admit any doubts.
No matter how much Simeone shouted from afar, next to the fourth official. “It’s not a penalty, it’s not a penalty,” the coach cried out.
The VAR confirmed it. Penalty. Gyokeres converted it to make it 0-1. A blow for Atlético de Madrid from Arsenal. Minute 44.
With one quarter of the playoffs played, it’s a worst-case scenario.
It is a goal against that forces you to take risks, but there are still more than two hours of play that require you not to be careless.
A new perspective for Arsenal and an absolute challenge of character for Atlético de Madrdid.
He returned from the locker room without Giuliano, with Le Normand and with a duel to be recomposed.
Half the stands chanted goal at the start of the second half.
When Julián Alvarez’s direct free kick took the ball high, it took effect, went over the wall and crashed into the side of the net. Out.
A proof of life for the red and white team. It never gave up. Nor will it do so.
Ten minutes into the second half they created two more chances, miraculously saved by Gabriel in front of Griezmann, and the equalizer, with Julián Alvarez’s penalty goal (1-1).
Metropolitano pushes, but Atlético is denied a goal
The Metropolitano thundered. It trembled with the jump of almost 70,000 spectators and believed again.
His single, sickening scream when Atletico Madrid’s upward pressure led to Arsenal’s loss was the announcement of his belief in victory.
In that Champions League final that has haunted him so much since 1974. Or since 2014 and 2016. He sees it close. He feels it. He wants it.
It was Atlético’s moment, frustrated by the intervention of the crossbar on Griezmann’s shot.
David Raya’s save fell short, but the post cleared the French striker, in his last European appearance at the Metropolitano, with a volley that went just wide by centimeters.
Another one from Lookman was lost in the heights. He wanted more and more.
They deserved it even then. Not only did they attack more and better, but they also placated Arsenal, who had disappeared in attack.
Arteta’s triple substitution of Saka, Trossard and Gabriel Jesus for Madueke, Martinelli and Gyokeres contributed to this.
Earlier he had removed Odegaard to bring on Eberechi Eze.
This is the potential of Arsenal, who spent over €300 million in the summer to feed the strength of their squad, outclassed at the Metropolitano.
Lookman had the second goal. His shot, centered, was caught by David Raya.
The resistance was Arsenal’s, the chances were Atletico’s, who lost Julián Alvarez to injury in the final stretch.
They lacked punch and have plenty of life left for next week’s visit to London’s Emirates Stadium.
He also had the courage to feel that he had the same chances as his opponent to reach the Budapest final.
With the suspense of a penalty on Eze that the referee first signaled live and then rectified it in the VAR. A relief.
Technical data
1 – Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Giuliano (Le Normand, m. 46), Cardoso (Molina, m. 88), Koke, Lookman; Griezmann and Julián Alvarez (Baena, m. 77).
1 – Arsenal: Raya; White (Mosquera, m. 86), Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Odegaard (Eberechi Eze, m. 58), Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke (Saka, m. 68), Gyokeres (Gabriel Jesus, minute 68) and Martinelli (Trossard, m. 68).
There is a second chance left
QuéOnnda.com
Goals: 0-1, 44th minute: Gyokeres, penalty kick. 1-1, 56th minute: Julián Alvarez, penalty kick.
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands). Yellow card to local Hancko (m. 77).
Incidents: First leg of the Champions League semifinals between Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal, played at the Metropolitano stadium in front of 68,421 spectators.
With information from EFE
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