Mikel Arteta expressed strong frustration after Arsenal were denied a late penalty following a VAR review in a dramatic 1–1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Arsenal looked set to secure a crucial away victory when substitute Eberechi Eze went down inside the penalty area in the 78th minute after a challenge from David Hancko. Referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded the penalty but overturned his decision after consulting the pitchside monitor, ruling that the contact was not sufficient to justify a spot-kick.
Speaking after the match, Arteta described the decision as “completely unacceptable,” arguing that there was no clear and obvious error to warrant VAR intervention and claiming the moment significantly affected the outcome of the game.
Match Summary
Arsenal had taken the lead earlier through Viktor Gyökeres, who converted from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the box. Atletico Madrid responded when Julian Alvarez equalised from another penalty, awarded after VAR ruled that Arsenal defender Ben White handled the ball with his arm in an unnatural position.
The second half saw Atletico apply sustained pressure, with Antoine Griezmann hitting the crossbar and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya producing important saves to keep the score level.
Managers’ Reactions
Arteta praised his players’ determination but insisted Arsenal had been denied a decisive opportunity. Atletico manager Diego Simeone offered a contrasting view, suggesting Arsenal’s first penalty was debatable and noting that VAR decisions can
Looking Ahead
Despite the controversy, the draw leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. The winner will advance to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
