The opening 40 minutes were evenly matched for both sides until individual errors plagued Atleti once again, as a Julián Alvarez mistake in midfield directly led to the penalty from Viktor Gyökeres to open the scoring for Arsenal.
Coming out of halftime, Atleti did not give up hope. The Rojiblancos came out strong and promptly put together two big chances. Simeone’s men were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty from an Arsenal handball, which Julián Alvarez converted.
There were several more big chances from Griezmann, Lookman, Alvarez and even Molina at the end of the match, but the result is ultimately fair. Given how they played in the second half, Simeone’s men will feel they deserved more. However, they’re in a good spot with a winner-take-all match upcoming in London next Tuesday where the winner will go to the Champions League Final.
Here are Into the Calderón’s player ratings from tonight’s Champions League match against Arsenal:
Oblak went the right way but not many goalkeepers could have stopped the very strong penalty from Victor Gyökeres. Had a nice save on Cristhian Mosquera’s chance in the 86th minute. 5
The Italian did not allow Eze, Madueke or Saka to get much of anything going. Solid outing. Matteo Ruggeri did just enough, yet again. 6
The Slovakian’s first game back from injury had mixed results. Not entirely his fault, but unfortunate to give up a controversial penalty in the dying moments of the first half. Hancko got lucky later in the match when when second penalty called by the referee on Atleti ended up getting overturned. 5
Another solid performance by Pubill. Appeared to shift into a right-wing-back role in the second half following Robin Le Normand entering the match. Not his most comfortable position, but he still made the best of it. 7
What position did Marcos Llorente not play today? Llorente continues to show time and time again that he is Simeone’s most reliable and versatile player. The Spanish international can provide support in attack, track back in defense and provide stability in the midfield regardless of where he’s being played. 7
The long-time Atleti captain truly has aged like fine wine and the fact he’s consistently playing 90 minutes in critical cup competitions is not talked about enough. The director of the orchestra kept Atleti’s midfield organized for most of the match, outside of the error leading to the first penalty from Arsenal. 6
Cardoso did not slot in to Barrios’ role in midfield, but in fairness, that is not where he is best. Fantastic block to deny Odegaard’s chance early in the first half. When he was acting in his typical “pivot” role, the American did well. Made way for Nahuel Molina in the 88th minute. 5
It was not a good first half for the Nigerian. Perhaps still not 100% match-fit, Lookman was not able to break down Ben White like many were anticipating before the match began. Ademola Lookman had a few good chances in the second half, but ultimately could not convert. 5
The Argentine winger’s run of poor form continues. Simeone struggled to defend Gabriel Martinelli and did not do much to cause Arsenal stress on their left flank. Subbed off for Robin Le Normand at halftime. 4
❌𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐎Regates intentados por los bandas del Atleti:0️⃣Lookman0️⃣Giuliano⚠️El Atlético de Madrid ha completado CERO regates en el primer tiempo (0/2). pic.twitter.com/92WbBBkrht
The Atleti legend’s final Champions League match at home ends in a draw. The Frenchman was very unlucky to see his chance in the 60th minute hit the crossbar. Outside of the chances, Griezmann tracked back effectively and served his maestro role effectively to help start plenty of Atleti attacks. Poetic that he was given the Player of the Match award. Regardless of what happens in London, we’ll all miss magical nights from Griezmann in Madrid. 7
Unlucky to be denied by a big save from David Raya early in the match. For most of the first half, Alvarez was the entirety of Atleti’s attack. Simply wonderful penalty after the Arsenal handball in their own box. Moments after the match, it was revealed that Julián Alvarez left with ankle discomfort and is a concern for the return leg, which explains why he was swapped for Baena in the 77th minute. 8
🌟 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐀𝐋Julián Alvarez se ha vuelto a echar el Atleti a su espalda hasta que el físico se lo ha permitido.◾ Un gol◾ 6 remates totales◾ 2/3 en regates◾ 5/9 en duelosHa estado en todos los sitios del campo. pic.twitter.com/yT1ELsawKT
Swapped on for in the minute the exhausted Alvarez in the 78th minute. Helped start a couple of attacks in the dying moments, but did not offer much in limited minutes. 5
Brought on in the 89th minute for Johnny Cardoso. Can you imagine if he converted that howler from outside the box in stoppage time? n/a
Entered the match at halftime for Guiliano Simeone. Another solid performance defensively from the Spaniard. Perhaps he’s motivated to secure his spot with the Spanish national team, but hopefully Le Normand can continue to string together good performances for Simeone. 6