Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal a half-time lead in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Atletico Madrid, scoring from the penalty spot to cap an impressive opening period from the Gunners.Atletico had the better chances in the first half, with Julian Alvarez forcing a fine save from David Raya and then heading narrowly over the crossbar from close range.But Arsenal largely did a good job of containing their hosts amid a raucous atmosphere at the Metropolitano.And they were rewarded for their efforts in the 44th minute as Gyokeres put them in front.The Swede went down after being clumsily pushed in the back by Atletico centre-back David Hancko.Referee Danny Makkelie showed little hesitation in pointing to the spot, drawing furious protests from Atletico. Despite the din being produced by the home crowd, Gyokeres delivered under the pressure and found the bottom-left corner, the power of his strike proving too much for Jan Oblak.Holders Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich will await in the final if Arsenal can get past Atletico, and they entered the dressing room at half-time 45 minutes from taking a huge step towards doing so. Topics Arsenal F.C. Atletico Madrid Champions League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read LIVE Atletico Madrid v Arsenal: Commentary, updates, goals and stats for Champions League semi-final Jon Fisher 29th April, 2026 Atletico Madrid v Arsenal: Confirmed line-ups for Champions League semi-final Nicholas McGee 29th April, 2026 Atletico Madrid rule out Gonzalez ahead of Arsenal clash Nicholas McGee 29th April, 2026 Atletico Madrid v Arsenal: Line-ups, stats and preview for Champions League semi-final Mitch Fretton 29th April, 2026 Atletico Madrid v Arsenal: Where to watch Champions League semi-final Jon Fisher 29th April, 2026 Mikel Arteta issues Atletico warning: Youre going to see a team that wants to be dominant Tom Rostance 28th April, 2026
