Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, was left angry after his side’s late penalty was cancelled following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check in a 1-1 draw with Spanish La Liga side, Atletico Madrid, in the Uefa Champions League 2025/26 semi final first leg on Wednesday 29 April, 2026 at Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid City.
For the third time, referee Danny Makkelie awarded a penalty after England attacking midfielder, Eberechi Eze, went down after being tackled by David Hancko in the 78th minute, however, changed his decision after viewing from the monitor and concluding the contact was not sufficient.
The Arsenal Spanish head coach fumed over the decision and described it as “completely unacceptable”.
Arteta said, “after going back to the dressing room and watching the penalty incident, I’m extremely disappointed and annoyed. It was against the rules and changes the course of the tie. I’m very upset.”
The Premier League side went in front in the 44th minute when Sweden striker, Viktor Gyökeres, blasted the post with the opener from the penalty spot.
The Mattress Makers responded in the 53rd minute with the leveller through Julian Alvarez, also from the penalty spot; Gunners defender, Ben White, was penalised for handball after another VAR check.
White’s hand was deemed to have been positioned unnaturally when hit by a shot from Marcos Llorente.
The Gunners, who are struggling to clinch a spot in the Uefa Champions League final for the second time in their existence, were apparently dominant in the first 45 minutes, however, had to fend off pressure from Atletico Madrid at the kick off of the second half.
The home side recorded some effort towards goal with Alvarez firing a free-kick just wide, Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, hitting the crossbar, and Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman’s straight shot stopped by goalkeeper, David Raya.
Followimg the withdrawal of Alvarez by Coach Diego Simeone, the Gunners then regained dominance in the showdown and Eze went down, but, the penalty decision was struck out, and the home fans celebrated as the decision was overturned.
Arsenal did not relent and continued to mount pressure, but, the hosts held on and points were shared.
Both sides will meet again for the second leg of their semi final tie at Emirates Stadium in North London next week.
Photo: Julian Alvarez celebrates after levelling for Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Champions League semi final first leg against Arsenal on Wednesday 29 April, 2026 in Madrid, Spain
