Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration over a controversial VAR decision that overturned a late penalty for Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The match, held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Viktor Gyokeres scored Arsenal’s goal from the penalty spot. Julian Alvarez equalized for Atletico Madrid with his own penalty. Arteta voiced his disappointment after reviewing the incident, stating, “After going back to the dressing room and watching the penalty incident, I’m extremely disappointed and annoyed.” He added, “This changes the course of the game at this level. I’m sorry, but this cannot happen.”
Arsenal’s performance marked their 13th consecutive game without defeat in the Champions League, equalling their longest-ever unbeaten run. Declan Rice had a standout performance, completing 83 passes — the second-most by an English midfielder in a Champions League semi-final.
Diego Simeone commented on the overturned penalty, saying, “In my humble opinion, the player feels contact on his back and he drops down.” He also noted that VAR decisions can be unpredictable: “The second one was not a penalty. Sometimes the VAR plays in your favour and sometimes it doesn’t.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Fulham in their next Premier League match before preparing for the second leg against Atletico Madrid. Key players for Atletico Madrid, including Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth, are expected to be available for that match.