After the goal shower in the match between PSG and Bayern Munich, the confrontation between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal revolved around disputes about penalty decisions. And that was enough to create drama.
If Arsenal has reason to believe that they deserved to win at Metropolitano, then Atletico's fighting spirit helped the semi-finals maintain balance with a score of 1-1. This is a result that reflects the true developments, but also leaves many debates.
Even, the score could completely be 2-1. Among the three controversial situations, the most likely penalty situation was not recognized. The decision to award a penalty to Eberechi Eze after a collision with David Hancko was cancelled after consulting VAR.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta could not hide his anger: "After witnessing the decision reversed, I am really disappointed. It changed the course of the match.
In the opposite direction, coach Diego Simeone is also in the center of attention, when every situation can be viewed in many different ways.
Arsenal may be both regretful and encouraged, while Atletico has the right to be proud of how they returned. Although compared to the 9-goal match in Paris, this match is still attractive in its own way, with the tension characteristic of a Champions League semi-final.
The Gunners" will regret not taking advantage of the dominant game in the first half. After Viktor Gyokeres' opening goal from the penalty spot, they had a chance to increase the gap but could not take advantage. Simeone even switched to a 5-defender system to limit pressure. This decision helped Atletico pull the match in the direction they wanted, creating space for Julian Alvarez and especially Antoine Griezmann to shine.
Griezmann - who may be facing the final matches in the Champions League - plays with determination and elevates the whole team. However, effort sometimes makes him lack accuracy, with two shots just inches wide of the goal.
Atletico's equalizing goal came from a chaotic situation, ending with Ben White's hand touch in the penalty area. Alvarez took advantage of the opportunity to equalize the score.
The second half witnessed Atletico's clear rise. Sharp counter-attacks, fierceness in the dispute and fighting spirit reminded them of their best version. Ademola Lookman also had a chance, but goalkeeper David Raya continued to play solidly.
However, Alvarez's injury caused Atletico to lose energy and be forced to retreat deeper. Meanwhile, Arsenal gradually controlled the game at the end of the match and proved to be the team with more chances of winning.
Everything could have been different if referee Danny Makkelie had not canceled the penalty for Eze. Although the collision was real, the level of impact is still controversial, similar to previous decisions.
In the opposite direction, Hancko also luckily escaped the foul leading to the second penalty after a previous mistake that helped Gyokeres open the score.
Atletico's penalty, from White's handball situation, may be considered strict in the Premier League, but it is suitable for the application of the rules in the European arena. When Alvarez took the shot, many people thought of a Panenka, but he chose a powerful finish - a symbol of the spirit that Atletico has regained.
The biggest question now is whether they can repeat that in the second leg, in a much more difficult context. Arsenal still has a task ahead, starting with the match against Fulham. But the most important thing is that all controversies will soon close, when the ticket to the final is decided.
