Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was shut out as Atlético Madrid and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday.
Contesting a second successive UCL semi-final for the first time in their history, Arsenal knew a rock-solid start was needed in the Spanish capital, where Atlético were unbeaten in their previous six UCL knockout games against English sides (W3, D3).
Lookman returned to the starting line up after missing their last league game as Diego Simeone’s men sought to break their visitors.
Early on David Raya reacted smartly to parry a curled effort from Julián Alvarez around the post. The Gunners responded well to that scare, though, with captain Martin Ødegaard seeing a dangerous strike blocked by Johnny Cardoso, before the lively Noni Madueke fired wide from 25 yards.
Having emerged victorious from five of their preceding six UCL trips this campaign (D1), Arsenal continued to stamp their authority on proceedings as the first half progressed, and Mikel Arteta’s men were rewarded shortly before the break when Dávid Hancko clumsily bundled into the back of Viktor Gyökeres in the box. The Swede dusted himself off and assumed the responsibility from the spot, powering a confident penalty through the grasp of Jan Oblak to score his 19th goal of the season, giving the Gunners a valuable advantage at halftime.
