Arsenal’s bid to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years hangs in the balance after a controversial 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in Spain.<\/p>\n
Viktor Gyokeres fired Arsenal into the lead with a penalty after he was fouled by David Hancko in the area in the last minute of the first half.<\/p>\n
However, Julian Alvarez also scored from the spot when Marcos Llorente’s volley struck Ben White’s hand following a VAR review with 56 minutes gone.<\/p>\n
After Antoine Griezmann struck the crossbar, Arsenal were then denied a chance to restore their lead when referee Danny Makkelie overturned his on-pitch decision to award the visitors another penalty when<\/p>\n
Eberechi Eze was sent tumbling by Hancko’s outstretched right leg.<\/p>\n
No penalty!<\/p>\n
After a VAR check, the late spot kick awarded to Arsenal has been dramatically overturned<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf1Updates – https:\/\/t.co\/ULnUcbDsoG<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfaWatch live – https:\/\/t.co\/XnOP6grnB7<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Y0kikAHVcp<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 RT\u00c9 Sport (@RTEsport) April 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Makkelie watched at least a dozen replays before electing to chalk off the spot-kick which, if converted, would have handed Arsenal a significant advantage ahead of next week’s return leg at the Emirates Stadium.<\/p>\n However, Mikel Arteta’s men will still be hopeful of seeing off Atleti to secure their place in the final in Budapest on 30 May.<\/p>\n The Gunners will now turn their attention back to fending off Manchester City’s challenge to secure a first Premier League title in 22 years with a home match against Fulham on Saturday.<\/p>\n Listen to the RT\u00c9 Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts<\/a>, Spotify<\/a> or wherever you get your podcasts<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n