Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as tale of penalties ends in first leg draw

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid played out a 1-1 draw as penalties for either side ensured the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash ended level.

Mikel Arteta made two changes to the side that defeated Newcastle at the weekend, bringing in Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli for Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze. Martin Ødegaard continued in the midfield as captain alongside Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi.

Atletico controlled the opening five minutes as slips by the Gunners players allowed them some chances to run at goal, but the hosts couldn't capitalise. The visitors grew into the game and saw their first opportunity come when Noni Madueke sent a cross to the back post for Piero Hincapié to meet, but volley wide.

David Raya was called into action for the first time when Julian Alvarez struck from the edge of the box before Gyökeres made a great run on the counterattack to beat Marcos Llorente and set up Ødegaard in the box, but the captain's effort was blocked.

Diego Simeone's side failed to keep hold of the ball from there and were guilty of giving possession away on a number of occasions. That proved to be crucial minutes before half-time, Alvarez's failure to hold up the ball ended in Gyökeres winning a penalty. The Swede stepped up to take the spot kick and fired it past Jan Oblak to put his team ahead at the break.

Atleti almost hit back when Ademola Lookman broke through on goal, but his strike was kept out by Raya before Antoine Griezmann was denied by a great Gabriel block on the follow-up.

The resulting corner led to a great chance for the hosts however as a shot from the edge was blocked by Ben White's hand, leading to a spot kick being awarded. Alvarez stepped up to take and thumped it past Raya, who was rooted to the middle of the goal.

Arsenal found themselves under the cosh following the leveller with Griezmann going close to making it 2-1 in the hosts' favour with a stunning effort that crashed off the crossbar.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, the momentum remained in the home side's favour, but there was another twist in the tale when yet another penalty was awarded in the favour of the Gunners. Eberechi Eze was caught in the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot, but a lengthy VAR check and on-field review saw the decision overturned.

That proved to be the final big moment as the first leg of the semi-final ended 1-1 with Arsenal returning to North London with what most would have considered a decent advantage prior to the game. However, it is still all to play for after a dramatic first encounter.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their draw with Atletico.

Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7/10 - Forced to make a good save to deny Alvarez the opening goal from the edge of the box. Nothing he could do about the equalising penalty. Made good stops to deny Lookman multiple times.

Ben White (RB) - 6.5/10 - Contained Lookman quite well on the right side, but lost out a couple times, especially after the break. Conceded a penalty with a handball shorty after the break. Replaced late on.

William Saliba (CB) - 6.5/10 - Looked slightly uncomfortable on the ball and did get away with one when he lost possession in the first half. Tightened up after the break.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 7/10 - Made a great block to deny Griezmann an equaliser from close range early in the second half. Solid for the most part.

Piero Hincapié (LB) - 7.5/10 - Volleyed an effort wide of the post early on. Dominated battles with Simeone and showed his strength on the left side of defence.

Midfielders

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 7/10 - Teed up Gyökeres in the build-up to the penalty. Steady at the base of midfield and played an advanced role when the opportunity arose.

Declan Rice (CM) - 7.5/10 - A good performance from the Englishman as he looked steady throughout, despite a small second half period of shakiness. Quick to pounce on loose passes by the hosts and keep attacks alive.

Martin Ødegaard (AM) - 7/10 - Had some nice touches in good areas and was involved in the build-up to the penalty as he played a good reaction pass into Zubimendi. Taken off just before the hour mark.

Forwards

Noni Madueke (RW) - 7/10 - Made a good run into the box to send a teasing cross to the back post in the early stages. Went close to breaking the deadlock from range on the half hour mark. Replaced after 68 minutes.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 7/10 - Did brilliantly to beat Llorente on the counterattack and set Ødegaard up for a chance. Won a penalty and converted it with power before the break. Substituted with 20 minutes remaining.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - 7/10 - Did well to cause some problems on the left side and tracked back well too. A much better performance from him on the big stage. Withdrawn with just over 20 minutes to play.

Substitutes

• Eberechi Eze (on 57' for Ødegaard) - 7/10
• Leandro Trossard (on 68' for Martinelli) - 5.5/10
• Gabriel Jesus (on 68' for Gyökeres) - 5.5/10
• Bukayo Saka (on 68' for Madueke) - 5.5/10
• Cristhian Mosquera (on 86' for White) - N/A

Player of the match: Piero Hincapié

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