Arsenal, Atletico swap penalty goals to draw in Champions League semifinals

MADRID — Atletico Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday.

It was a gritty encounter in Madrid between the clubs trying to return to the final after a long absence and looking to win the European title for the first time.

It was a harsh contrast to Tuesday’s semifinal, when defending champion Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thriller in France.

Viktor Gyökeres put Arsenal ahead at the Metropolitano stadium by converting a 44th-minute penalty kick. Julián Alvarez equalized for Atletico — also from the penalty spot — in the 56th.

Arsenal was awarded another penalty in the 78th after Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko inside the area, but the call was overturned — several moments later — after a video review.

The second leg is next Tuesday in England.

Atletico last made it to the Champions League final in 2016, when it lost city rival Real Madrid.