Gunners shoot first, but Atletico returns fire

Atletico Madrid and Arsenal exchanged penalties in a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday, a gritty encounter with plenty of intensity from start to finish, even if it lacked the fireworks of the nine-goal thriller that saw defending champion Paris Saint-Germain edge Bayern Munich 5-4 in France on Tuesday.

Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal ahead at the Metropolitano stadium on Wednesday, converting a 44th-minute penalty kick before Julian Alvarez equalized for Atletico — also from the penalty spot — 12 minutes later.

The Gunners were awarded another penalty in the 78th minute after Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko inside the area, but the call was overturned after a video review.

The second leg is in London next Tuesday, when both clubs have a shot at returning to the final after a long absence, giving whichever side makes it a chance to win the European title for the first time.

"Here, you have to suffer. Many teams have suffered here, including some of the best in the world," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said.

"We had some good moments in the match, and moments where we had to suffer. The margins are very slim. We are in an incredible position — the semifinal of the Champions League. Now, we have to play in front of our people — it's in our hands."

In the league phase of the competition, Arsenal routed Atletico 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

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