Arsenal earn 1-1 draw against Atlético as tie remains open...

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman failed to find the net as Atlético Madrid and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.

CBI News reports that Arsenal, featuring in back-to-back semi-finals for the first time, began cautiously against an Atlético side unbeaten in their last six knockout ties against English opposition.

Early danger came through Julián Alvarez, whose curling effort was tipped around the post by David Raya.

The visitors gradually found their rhythm, with Martin Ødegaard seeing a strike blocked and Noni Madueke firing wide as Mikel Arteta’s side took control.

Arsenal’s pressure paid off before the break when Dávid Hancko fouled Viktor Gyökeres in the box.

The striker stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, beating Jan Oblak to hand Arsenal the lead at half-time.

The hosts responded quickly after the restart.

Lookman was denied from close range by Raya before Atlético were awarded a penalty after a handball by Ben White.

Alvarez made no mistake from the spot, levelling the score.

Atlético pushed for a winner, with Antoine Griezmann hitting the crossbar with a delicate effort.

Despite sustained pressure, missed chances including further opportunities for Lookman proved costly for the Spanish side.

Arsenal were briefly awarded a late penalty after Hancko was adjudged to have fouled Eberechi Eze, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

The result leaves the semi-final finely balanced ahead of next Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates Stadium, with both sides still in contention for a place in the final.