Lookman’s Atlético Hold Arsenal in Comeback, With  All to Play for Tuesday

Duro Ikhazuagbe  with agency report

Ademola Lookman was denied a 74th minute opportunity to make a difference as Atletico Madrid forced Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi final clash at the Metropolitano last night.

The Super Eagles forward who is just returning to fitness after adductor injury made him missed Atlético’s last two La Liga games, was denied from inside the box when Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya pulled off the big save.

The hosts roared on by their vociferous home support, Diego Simeone’s men created the first meaningful chance of the match, as Raya reacted smartly to parry a curled effort from Julián Álvarez  around the post.

The Gunners responded well to that scare, though, with Captain Martín Odegaard seeing a dangerous strike blocked by Johnny Cardoso, before the lively player of Nigerian descent, Noni Madueke, fired wide from 25 yards.

Having emerged victorious from five of their preceding six UCL trips this campaign Arsenal continued to stamp their authority on proceedings as the first half progressed.

They however didn’t have to wait for too long as  Mikel Arteta’s men were rewarded shortly before the break when David Hancko clumsily bundled into the back of Viktor Gyokeres in the box.

The Swede dusted himself off and assumed the responsibility from the spot, powering a confident penalty through the grasp of Jan Oblak to score his 19th goal of the season, giving the Gunners a valuable advantage at half-time.

Determined to find an immediate response, Atletico came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second period, with Alvarez flashing a free-kick into the side-netting and Lookman seeing a close-range shot repelled by Raya.

The hosts’ pressure showed no signs of relenting, and they were soon awarded a penalty of their own when Ben White was penalised for handball in the box.

Alvarez stepped up to the spot for the Rojiblancos, and the talismanic Argentine swept a clinical penalty beyond a stationary Raya to restore parity.

The beautiful evening was almost ruined by a 

The hosts remained the more threatening of the two sides in the final third, but profligate finishing from Lookman and a smart stop from Raya kept Arsenal on level terms.

Those misses looked to have proved costly when the London Gunners  were awarded their second penalty of the evening after Hancko was adjudged to have tripped substitute Eberechi Eze, but the decision was eventually overturned following a lengthy VAR review. 

There will now be all to play for in the return leg fixture on Tuesday at the/Emirates Stadium in London.

RESULT

Atlético 1-1 Arsenal

TODAY

Europa League

Braga v Freiburg 

Nottingham v Aston Villa

Conference 

Rayo v Strasbourg 

Shakhtar v Cry’Palace