Atletico forces Arsenal to a 1-1 draw amidst VAR controversy

Uefa Champions League Semi-final first leg: Atletico forces Arsenal to a 1-1 draw amidst VAR controversy

Eberechi Eze went down in the Atletico Madrid box after an infringement on the Arsenal playmaker, but the VAR overturned the penalty call by the referee. The game ended 1-1 with all to play for in the second leg. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Contrary to all expectations, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the home of the Spanish side on Wednesday night.

After the box office show of Tuesday at the Parc des Princes between PSG and Bayern Munich, many thought it would be a hell of a boring affair between two defensively minded coaches—Diego Simeone and Mikel Arteta—but they came out to play.

The second legs of the semi-finals will take place next week, with none of the ties decided yet. 

The Allianz Arena is expected to witness another masterclass, with Bayern Munich chasing the tie, while the other one at the Emirates is expected to be a cagey affair.

Arsenal drew first blood from the spot towards the end of the first half in the game on Wednesday night. 

Viktor Gyokeres was bundled over in the Atletico area, and the Swede picked himself up to fire in the opener from six yards.

Atletico returned the favor in the same manner midway through the second half. 

Ben White handled the ball in the Arsenal area, and Julian Alvarez stepped up to level matters. 

It was end-to-end from there as the game ended 1-1.

Arsenal would later feel aggrieved after what looked like a clear penalty was overturned by the VAR; Eberechi Eze was brought down in the Atletico area, and the referee pointed to the spot, only to be called to the monitor for a change of mind.

The two ties are delicately poised, and we can't wait for what is coming. Who makes it to the final? 

Arsenal, Atletico, Bayern, or the holders, PSG? 

It's all up for grabs at the Emirates and the Allianz Arena next week.

On Thursday, it will be the turn of the other two European cup competitions, with three English teams still alive. 

Aston Villa will travel to Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their semifinal clash, while Palace will travel to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa Conference League.

There's a huge possibility that more Premier League clubs could feature in the Champions League next season. 

What happens in Thursday's fixtures would determine a lot about that.

Atletico 1-1 Arsenal: Watch the match highlights