Atletico Madrid and Arsenal shared the spoils in a gripping Champions League semi-final first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on Wednesday night, finishing 1-1 and leaving the tie beautifully poised ahead of the return match at the Emirates Stadium next week

It was a contest that lived up to its billing. Atletico, under the relentless tactical hand of Diego Simeone, pressed high and made life uncomfortable for the Gunners from the first whistle, with Julian Alvarez and Ademola Lookman causing problems in behind. Arsenal, however, absorbed the pressure with their characteristic composure and found their moment just before half-time when Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish forward who has been a revelation since joining the club, stepped up to convert a penalty after being fouled by David Hancko. It was a crucial away goal and Arsenal went into the break with a slim but precious advantage.

The second half belonged to Atletico. Simeone’s side regrouped and came out with renewed urgency, desperate to claw something back in front of their passionate home crowd. Their leveller arrived from the spot after a handball by Ben White handed the referee an easy decision. Julian Alvarez, composed and clinical, buried his penalty to make it 1-1 and send the Metropolitano into raptures.

Arsenal made the trip to Madrid without Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, both sidelined through injury, while Lookman who scored a memorable goal to knock Barcelona out of the competition was named in the Atletico starting lineup despite fitness concerns heading into the game.

The result means everything remains to be decided at the Emirates. Arsenal, who are currently top of the Premier League, will fancy their chances on home soil, while Atletico will draw confidence from the fact that they have made a habit of grinding out results away from Madrid in this competition. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5.