Arsenal curse VAR as Atletico Madrid resort to dark arts

It will be intense. Diego Simeone alone will make sure of that. We talk so much about Mikel Arteta’s antics on the touchline but he is an inert pussycat compared to Simeone.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone was his usual demonstrative self - Adam Davy/PA

The Atlético coach celebrated appearing to force Makkelie to overturn what looked like a clear foul on substitute Eberechi Eze – for what would have been Arsenal’s second and probably match-winning penalty – by running on the pitch and slapping defender David Hancko hard on the back. Hancko had also given away the first penalty.

There had been expectations of a storm. It did not come from the skies – the weather warning passed – while Arteta and his team quelled what they faced on terra firma despite a tempestuous second-half spell.

Their driving force was Declan Rice who dominated from a deeper role and drove Arsenal in a way that again thrust him into the debate about who is Europe’s best midfielder. Surely this is the most effective use of him for club and country? At the base of the midfield.

In that position Rice can sniff out danger and formed a strong triangle with centre-halves William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães and how that was needed with Atlético emerging as if scalded – we can be sure Simeone tore into them at half-time – to score and create a series of chances that could have turned this tie even further.

So let us analyse each of those penalties. The first half was a textbook European away performance from Arsenal. Quell the crowd. Check. Gradually take control. Check. Subdue the opposition. Check. Score just before half-time. Check.

It was a beautifully dramatic occasion, typical of what was at stake, with the atmosphere building wonderfully and some quixotic behaviour including toilet rolls being thrown from the stands and Arsenal complaining pre-match about the length of the grass claiming it was higher than the Uefa 30mm limit. It was measured with Uefa declaring it was just 26mm. Fine margins and all that.

Arteta could not have scripted it better but it was Atlético’s own fault as they gave the ball away and Martín Zubimendi guided it through to Viktor Gyokeres who was clumsily bundled over by Hancko.

Simeone protested. Of course he did. He angrily wagged his finger and claimed Gyokeres had done that forward’s thing where they stop and invite the contact. Simeone accused him of diving. But so what? Hancko certainly caught Gyokeres and he drove home the spot-kick.

All well and good and gone to plan. But a storm did come and Atlético were far better after the break. Julian Alvarez whipped a free-kick into the side-netting, David Raya beat out Ademola Lookman’s shot and Antoine Griezmann’s follow-up was deflected over.

Then another penalty. Except Makkelie did not see it and was only alerted after the Atlético players went crazy and he was called over to the pitchside monitor by the VAR. So what happened? Marcos Llorente shot was blocked by Ben White. The ball struck the defender’s hand but only after it deflected up off his shin. A bit like the one given against Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies in that 5-4 epic the previous night in the other semi-final against Paris St-Germain.

The argument is that the penalty should be given because it did not change the direction of the ball. But it did, however small, by dint of first touching White’s leg. That is irrefutable. It would also not be awarded in England and although rules can be applied differently they surely should not be for something as fundamental as handball?

Inevitably Alvarez scored from the spot. Inevitably because he was Atlético’s most dangerous player and inevitably because we know that the Argentine – who scored his 10th Champions League goal of the campaign – is coveted by Arsenal.

Arsenal needed to hold firm. The momentum had emphatically shifted and Griezmann, in what was his last Champions League game in this stadium, went close with his rising shot rebounding back off the crossbar and Raya doing well to again deny Lookman.

Then came the third penalty incident. And the biggest, most contentious incident on the evening and one which – Arsenal will hope – fades away from controversy after next week’s game.

The ball was played into the Atlético area and Eze was too quick for Hancko who – undeniably – caught him on the foot. Another penalty was given. Atlético once more were furious, with Simeone drawing a monitor in the air and claiming Eze had exaggerated the contact. Eventually Makkelie again went over to the side of the pitch, watching the replay multiple times before overturning his decision.

Simeone applauded and Atlético celebrated. It was a big moment for them. Arsenal will desperately hope it is not a big one in the outcome of this tie. “It’s great to have the chance to challenge in London,” a smiling Simeone said. But that challenge should be even greater.

Arteta furious at decision that is ‘against the rules’

Mikel Arteta said he was “incredibly fuming” about the controversial decision to overturn an Arsenal penalty during his side’s 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid.

Mikel Arteta was not impressed with the officiating in Madrid on Wednesday night - David Ramos/Getty Images

Arsenal were awarded a second-half spot kick in the Champions League semi-final after Eberechi Eze had been challenged by Atlético defender David Hancko.

But referee Danny Makkelie, who was berated by Atlético manager Diego Simeone and the home fans for his initial decision, chose to reverse it after reviewing the pitch-side monitor. Replays showed that Hancko made no contact with the ball.

“I am incredibly fuming with how the hell the penalty on Ebs [Eze] gets overturned in the manner that it happened, when there is no clear and obvious error,” said Arteta. “This changes the course of the game. At this level, I am sorry but this cannot happen. It is impossible. We are all fuming about it. It is a clear and very obvious penalty. That’s it.

“When you have fought so hard for nine months to be in this position… I mean, that’s another goal that completely changes the course of the tie. It cannot happen. I’m sorry. We put so much on it. So, so, so much on it. This cannot happen.

“It was against the rules and I don’t understand it. [We are] very upset. There is clear contact. He makes the decision and you can’t overturn it when you have to watch it 13 times. It’s completely unacceptable at this level.”

The tensions of the game were to continue after the full-time whistle, as Simeone clashed with Arsenal defender Ben White in the tunnel area. The Atlético coach was seemingly upset that White had walked over the home club’s badge, which is emblazoned on the pitchside turf.

The scoreline was 1-1 when Hancko made the challenge on Eze, after both teams had already struck from the penalty spot. Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead after he was brought down in the box, before Julián Alvarez equalised after White was penalised for a handball in the second half.

Arteta said the handball against White would not have been given as a penalty in the Premier League but accepted that the rules in European competition are different.

The draw leaves the tie in the balance before next week’s second leg. Arsenal were the dominant side for much of the game, especially in the first half, and will be confident of reaching a first Champions League final since 2006.

“I really value what we have done because I’ve seen some of the best teams in the world come here and fall apart, and concede three and four,” said Arteta.

“We didn’t get the result that we wanted. The way we planned the game, we wanted to win it. At least it is in our hands, in front of our people. We want to be in that final and in a week’s time we are going to have the opportunity to do so.”

11:00pm

That’s all for tonight

I have just seen that Atletico Madrid generated the second-most xG of any team to play Arsenal this season, at 2.22, so though decisions went against the Premier League club they cannot feel too down about a 1-1. With a fitter Eze and Saka, Arsenal should have enough quality to win the home second leg and reach only their second-ever Champions League final.

10:53pm

Rice key for Arsenal tonight

He did not look to be moving freely against Newcastle, but was back to his best tonight in a deeper role. Snuffed out counters and kept the ball well under pressure.

10:44pm

Arteta even more annoyed in his press conference

10:38pm

Arteta on Arsenal’s general performance

There are a lot of positives. A lot of very good things that we did. We knew we would have tough moments. Their home record is once again. We are in an incredible position. We have to play in front of our people. It is in our hands.

10:32pm

Arteta on the Eze overturned penalty

Speaking to the boys and understanding the penalty incident for the second goal getting overturned. It was against the rules and I don’t understand it. Very upset. There is clear contact; he makes the decision and you can’t overturn it when you have to watch it 13 times.

Mikel Arteta was pleased with his team’s effort - Adam Davy/PA

10:30pm

Simeone clashes with Ben White

The Arsenal defender has been accused of disrespect for walking over the Atletico crest.

10:28pm

Steven Gerrard on the Ben White penalty

I think the referees have been influenced by the decision that happened last night. They have seen the handball committed by Alphonso Davies that led to a penalty and thought we need to follow suit and give this one from Ben White - even if he tries to move his arm out of the way.

10:19pm

Gyokeres on the penalty decisions

I didn’t see their penalty, so it’s difficult to say, but that’s football. I don’t know why they turned [the Eze penalty] down, it looks like there was contact, but it’s their decision.

10:15pm

The best run since Arsenal last reached the final

10:11pm

More reaction to the penalty

Martin Keown says: “The referee crumbled under pressure and shouldn’t have been made to go to the screen, really harsh on Arsenal. Something really wrong there with Simeone.”

Steve McManaman says: “We are taking about VAR again. I hate it. Behaviour of Simeone and his assistants was atrocious. The constant haranguing of the fourth official. The referee had an awful game but Simeone’s behaviour was awful. If it was in the opposite box, Simeone would have gone apoplectic.”

Diego Simeone was up to his old tricks on the touchline - AP/Jose Breton

10:08pm

Ian Wright not happy with the decision

10:00pm

FT: Atletico 1 Arsenal 1

Probably a fair result on balance, but Atletico Madrid created the better chances in that second-half flurry. Griezmann and Lookman could have put them in front after Ben White was penalised for handball in a typical Uefa penalty. Arsenal will point to a possible third penalty of the night being overturned, and Hancko certainly got none of the ball in the challenge on Eze, but adding it all up it feels about right. Atletico’s players look satisfied, but it has to go down as a positive result for Arsenal.

Eberechi Eze was convinced he should have had a penalty - Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images

09:57pm

97 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Gabriel Jesus wins a foul on halfway, there will be no last chance it seems.

09:57pm

96 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Atletico have a free-kick deep in their half after a foul by Trossard. One last attack?

09:56pm

95 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Great work from Saka down the right, and Arsenal work the ball into a promising position at the edge of the box, but Eze cannot get a clean shot away and nor can Trossard.

09:55pm

94 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Dangerous moment from Atletico going forward, a cross swung to the back post which Lookman headed back across goal, but there was no red and white to meet it. Hincapie hacks away.

Then Eze is caught in possession again, and a Koke shot from 25 yards flies just over the bar of David Raya.

09:53pm

92 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Can either side find a winner? Early in the half, it looked like Atletico Madrid were a certainty to score the next goal, but Arsenal are having more of the game now. But the away side will not be displeased by this scoreline.

09:52pm

90 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

There will be SEVEN minutes of stoppage time to play.

Eze a little loose in midfield, and Baena does ever so well to keep it under pressure.

09:51pm

89 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Delightful turn from Eze in midfield, and he was dragged back, but the referee waved play on. Rice tries an ambitious strike from 30 yards, decent hit but always travelling wide. Arsenal enjoying the lion’s share of possession now, most of it in the Atletico half.

09:49pm

87 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Chance for Mosquera, of all people, at the edge of the area but his shot was too close to the goalkeeper. Arsenal needed Eze to take that shot, who was stood five yards to his left. Molina has replaced Cardoso for the home team.

09:47pm

85 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Arsenal have been better in the last 10 minutes, either side of the penalty, keeping the ball for longer through Eze and Saka. Trossard has just had a shot blocked after good work by Eze.

Another pair of subs: Mosquera on for White for Arsenal, Molina on for Atletico.

09:43pm

82 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

The referee made a signal to suggest the defender got the ball, but that was certainly not the case. Insufficient contact would have been a fair reason to overturn the decision maybe. Arsenal have at least eaten some minutes up.

Simeone celebrated that penalty being overturned as if his team had scored. He was on the pitch, slapping the backs of his players and screaming in their faces.

09:42pm

NO PENALTY!

That was one the cards as soon as he went over to the screen. Eze certainly bought it, but Hancko was clumsy and got away with one there.

09:41pm

The referee is going over to the screen

That is usually a sign that the decision will be changed. The defender got none of the ball and caught Eze, but it was certainly a soft one.

09:40pm

PENALTY ARSENAL!

This one also looked a little soft, but Eze got to the ball first in front of Hancko, who concedes his second penalty of the night.

VAR is checking this though... there was not much contact. But it might be enough.

Simeone giving it the big VAR signal on the touchline.

Eberechi Eze eappears to be fouled by David Hancko o - Angel Martinez/Getty Images

09:38pm

77 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Julian Alvarez has sat down in the centre circle, and it looks like his race is run. Baena is going to replace him. Some whistles because Arsenal played on.

09:35pm

74 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Atletico continue to be the dominant team in the second half, but at least Arsenal have stemmed that flurry of chances.

Spoke to soon! Lookman shoots straight at Raya after deceiving Ben White in the box. Really should have picked out a corner. A pass into Alvarez cut through Arsenal in the build up.

Saka struggling to keep his footing whenever he gets the ball.

09:31pm

70 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Atletico have been far more aggressive with their pressing in this half, jumping to smother any Arsenal player who has the ball at his feet. Maybe that’s why Arteta has introduced some of Arsenal’s technicians. They need Eze and Saka’s ability to make it stick.

09:29pm

68 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Eze helping Arsenal restore some calm, and Arteta is making a triple change. A whole new front three: Gyokeres, Martinelli and Madueke off, Jesus, Trossard and Saka on.

09:26pm

65 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Another shot on goal from Atletico Madrid, but Lookman was always leaning back at the back post and his volley from a tight angle was skewed over. Zubimendi penalised for a foul. Arsenal need some touches and successful passes urgently.

09:25pm

64 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Arsenal’s goal living a charmed life, what a couple of efforts from Griezmann. On the first one he was falling over, but he scooped a left-footed shot over Raya from the edge of the box that came back off the bar, before a volley deflected behind for a corner. Rice clears at the near post for another corner.

Alvarez may well have gone straight for goal from that one! Tipped over by Raya for another corner.

Atletico are turning the screw now. For the first time in the game, Arsenal look unsteady and unsure of themselves. The intensity of the night, and the atmosphere in the stadium, has been transformed by the equaliser.

09:22pm

61 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

Alvarez stays down after a Rice tackle, but Atletico have the win in their sails here. There was not much in the challenge, just caught his shin, but Simeone and the whole stadium were up.

09:20pm

58 minutes: Atletico Madrid 1 Arsenal 1

It was a soft penalty but Atletico will say they earned it through the double-chance that came just before. The temperature of the game has transformed now. Arsenal were looking so comfortable.

Arteta has made a change, Eze on for Ogegaard.

Martinelli does well to win a free-kick against Pubill, well-timed for Arsenal.

Odegaard had some treatment on the touchline towards the end of the first half, after Gyokeres scored. Hopefully his knee hasn’t played up again.

09:17pm

GOOOOALLL! Alvarez makes no mistake

Blasts his penalty into the top corner, and Raya was rooted. He would not have got anywhere near it anyway. Atletico back on terms, and game on.

Before the penalty was taken, Raya ran over to goalkeeper coach Iñaki Caña for some instructions, presumably on Alvarez’s penalty history. It didn’t help much. Raya seemed to expect Alvarez to shoot down the middle.

09:16pm

Atletico penalty!

Much the same as PSG’s last night, it feels harsh on the defender but that is the way Uefa enforce the handball rule. Alvarez to take.

09:15pm

55 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 1

Huge appeals for an Atletico Madrid penalty for a handball against Ben White! Llorente with the shot, and replays show his arm was a touch away from his body as he stopped to block. Referee being sent to the screen.

The officials, perhaps a little cruelly, deemed that Ben White handled the ball - Angel Martinez/Getty Images

09:14pm

53 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 1

What a piece of defending from Gabriel after a save from Raya! Arsenal under some pressure for the first time tonight. Lookman was through in the left channel, but Raya stood strong. Gabriel then through himself in front of the follow up from Griezmann.

Antoine Griezmann shoots - David Ramos /Getty Images

09:13pm

51 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 1

Flickers of an Atletico response so far in the second half, but Arsenal are trusting their shape and picking up the loose balls. Rice penalised in midfield for handball, when it looked like he was fouled. Then Raya clears for an Atletico throw when it looked like he could have picked it up, but the last touch was off Hincapie. Goalkeeper taking no chances.

09:10pm

49 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 1

A few little signs of sloppiness from Arsenal, Raya with a poor kick out before Gyokeres fails to make it stick up front. Trying to atone, the Arsenal striker then fouls Cardoso to give away a free-kick in a dangerous area, Alvarez can be lethal from these.

And he hits the side netting! Half the stadium thought it was in, whipped over the wall from almost 30 yards with power.

Arsenal would be wise not to give any more free-kicks away.

09:08pm

47 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 1

Let’s see what the half-time switch means for Atletico’s shape and approach. Ben White penalised for a foul on Lookman, right on Simeone. It now looks like Llorente is playing further forward on the right flank, dilligent defending from Martinelli to intercept.

09:06pm

We’re back under way

Arsenal kick off in the second half.

09:06pm

Half-time change from Simeone

Le Normand on for Simeone, who suffered a bang on the hip in the first half. That is a centre-back on for a winger, so Atletico have gone to a back five.

09:02pm

Arsenal have to be ready for an Atletico backlash

Atletico probably need two goals in his half to give themselves a strong chance of progressing, they will surely be bolder with their pressing. We have seen Arsenal look a little shaky playing out in the last month, and Atletico have looked like a team waiting to play off mistakes. If Arsenal stay error-free, and Saka and Eze can feature, they could finish tonight in a very strong position.

08:53pm

Sam’s verdict from Madrid

Arsenal are the better team and deserve their lead. Rice is dominating the midfield, Saliba and Gabriel look strong and Gyokeres has had his best half for a while. He has even been holding up the ball from long passes. Arteta’s side are playing sensible, mature football. It’s not as sexy as last night’s action but it was never going to be.

08:50pm

HT: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 1

Arsenal will be very satisfied with that first half. For all the talk of Atletico being a different kind of team these days, they reverted to type there, sitting deep for long spells as Arsenal kept the ball and killed the atmosphere. Or perhaps they were forced to do so, to give credit to Arsenal and the control they have exerted in a hostile environment. Alvarez tested Raya early on, but Arsenal were the better side.

Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring the opening goal - Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters

08:47pm

45 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 1

Two minutes of stoppage time for Arsenal to manage before half time.

08:47pm

GOOOOOALL! Gyokeres buries it

There have been a laundry list of criticisms levelled at Gyokeres this season, but that man can take a penalty kick. Wraps it into the side-netting with the inside of his right foot. Oblak has plenty of wingspan and he guessed the right way, but the power beat him.

08:45pm

PENALTY ARSENAL!

Hancko penalised for bundling over Gyokeres in the box. Atletico gave the ball away at the edge of their defensive third, and Zubimendi flicked the ball into a dangerous area. Gyokeres got his body in, and the defender fouled him. VAR checks decision stands.

Gyokeres to take.

08:44pm

42 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal were camped around the edge of the Atletico box for a good couple of minutes there but there is the threat of the break. Griezmann and Koke with some lovely touches, but Rice recovers to defend brilliantly.

08:41pm

39 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Now Atletico have a throw-in deep in the Arsenal half after a Koke cross from the right is blocked. Arsenal defend, before Martinelli and Odegaard show great composure to play Arsenal out of a tight spot and the away team get on the front foot again.

08:39pm

37 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Zubimendi with a bit of a hospital pass to Odegaard, and the Atletico players pounce on the Arsenal captain. Gabriel stood tall and blocked an Alvarez shot, before the forward fouled Hincapie. Arsenal then establish dominance of territory and possession again.

08:36pm

35 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal’s defensive trio of Rice, Gabriel and Saliba are starting to dominate the physical battles here. There’s a big difference in size/strength in that area of the pitch.

The home fans are starting to become a little edgy.

Declan Rice has been a commanding presence so far - Jose Breton/AP

08:35pm

33 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal with another long, long spell of possession to strangle the life out of the game and Atletico, before Saliba got caught on the ball in a central area. The home team wasted the opportunity, with Simeone and Alvarez not on the same wavelength.

08:32pm

30 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Superb effort from Noni Madueke after Rice intercepted in front of Lookman. Madueke shows his burst to break through to the top of the D, before curling a powerful shot just wide of the far post.

08:31pm

29 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Another sniff of goal for Alvarez, but the header came from a long way out. Good movement to nip in front of Gabriel, but his effort was always looping over.

Good hold-up work from Gyokeres, but then Madueke’s crontrol let him down.

08:30pm

27 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Atletico have lost some of their early zip, finding it harder to progress the ball against Arsenal.

Declan Rice not known for silky touches perhaps, but there was a great first touch in midfield and pass forward to Hincapie. Rice controlling things well at the base of midfield so far.

Saliba volleys away a Koke cross.

08:26pm

24 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal corner comes to nothing, despite half-hearted appeals for a penalty from Gabriel.

Rice is playing in a much deeper midfield position tonight, as a sole “No 6” with Odegaard and Zubimendi ahead of him. For most of his Arsenal career he has been a box-to-box midfielder but this appears to be a throwback to his West Ham days.

08:24pm

22 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal corner from a Zubimendi cross after another lengthy spell with the ball which had the home fans whistling. Not for the first time tonight, could have been better communication between the Arsenal players. Gyokeres has a split lip after going up for the same header with Madueke.

08:21pm

19 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Another spell of possession from Arsenal but White is flagged offside. Notable there that Hincapie and White were both ahead of the Arsenal man in possession, the full-backs quite advanced. Taking a risk with Lookman and Simeone around on the flanks for the home team.

08:18pm

16 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Then Atletico were caught wide open at the back after a really strong run from Gyokeres, that’s much better from the striker. Had the presence of mind to pull the ball across goal, but Cardoso recovered to block Odegaard’s shot. Could the Arsenal captain have hit it first time?

Viktor Gyokeres drives the ball forward for Arsenal - Manu Fernandez/AP

Martin Odegaard shoots with his right foot - Dan Mullan/Getty Images

08:17pm

14 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

A couple of untidy clearances from Gabriel to hand Atletico the initiative but the visitors defend the long throw. Arsenal have tried to release Gyokeres early, but the Atletico defenders seem to have him for pace.

First save of the match! And it is an very good one from Raya to deny Alvarez after quick feet from the forward and a rasping right-footed shot from the edge of the box. Gabriel went to ground a little easy.

Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya makes a save - Manu Fernandez/AP

08:13pm

11 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Atletico can be such a threat on the break, but it feels like Arsenal have settled down now. Have just enjoyed a long spell of possession in the Atletico half, with the home team dropping off. Patient play, if not too threatening, but probably what they need in this context.

08:11pm

8 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Neat interplay from Atletico in the Arsenal half, with Simeone the younger involved, but it was excellent defending from Hincapie to usher the ball behind.

Arsenal finding their feet as an attacking force... vital touch from Llorente to prevent a chipped Odegaard through ball getting through to Martinelli.

Interesting that Zubimendi is the highest of the three midfielders when Arsenal are building up from a goal kick. Odegaard is sitting alongside Rice in those situations

08:09pm

6 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal were struggling to get out of their half for the first five minutes, but they have just threatened for the first time. Madueke does really well to skip through a couple of challenges and stand up a cross to the back post, but Hincapie did not make clean connection with the volley. Martinelli going for the header maybe put him off.

08:05pm

4 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

I thought Madueke had switched off for a split second as Lookman looked for a one-two with Koke down the left, but the pass was overhit and Rice ushered the ball out of play. Arsenal string some passes together in their own half, before Gabriel passes the ball out of play. Messy stuff so far.

It took just 40 seconds for the first player to slip over on this much-discussed pitch, with Piero Hincapie losing his footing. A reminder that this is the pitch where the Spurs players were so unable to stay on their feet earlier in the competition.

08:03pm

2 minutes: Atletico Madrid 0 Arsenal 0

A slip in the first minute by Arsenal left-back Hincapie, but Rice recovered the make the block. Early evidence that the playing surface is dicey, which Spurs and Kinsky will tell you all about. Raya then skews a kick out for a throw in. Arsenal struggling to clean touches so far.

08:01pm

KICK OFF!

Atletico get the game started, I think Arsenal have turned them around form their usual second-half end.

08:00pm

Shades of the 1978 World Cup

The toilet rolls are out in force as the teams come out with hundreds od them thrown down from the stands – covering the press box (no jokes needed) and even onto the pitch with staff now frantically trying to clear them in time for kick-off.

Atlético Madrid supporters give the tie a very old-school feel - Thomas Coex/Getty Images

08:00pm

The players are out

Arsenal are playing in their blue away kit, but grey shorts and socks, because of a kit clash that has cropped up a few times this season. Toilet paper streams down on to the side of the pitch from the Atleti fans. Without Havertz, Timber, Saka and Eze, I think Arsenal could be in for a rocky start here. It could come down to how they manage that period.

07:55pm

Arsenal in for a hostile welcome

The atmosphere here is simmering nicely. The home supporters reserved their biggest cheer for the name of Diego Simeone, who remains the main man in these parts even after all these years. Simeone has won everything there is to win with Atletico – apart from the Champions League. This is the one he really wants.

Atletico Madrid’s season hinges on tonight - Isabel Infantes/Reuters

07:51pm

The pitchforks are out... not for Arteta, though

Seven groundstaff are out with their forks prodding the turf on the pitch which, as kick off approaches, only adds to the concern over the state of the surface here.

Arsenal’s players used the warm up to get used to the pitch - Julian Finney/Getty Images

07:49pm

Revenge mission?

07:31pm

Arteta on what will decide the game

Every game is different, every detail matters – both boxes are critical and you have to be so ruthless in there when you have the opportunity to do it. You need magic moments, you need things to go your way at certain moments but especially you have to generate the momentum in the right moments to win the tie.

07:30pm

Arteta on Gyokeres starting and his bench

Exactly. As well, he’s fresh and he’s an opponent that can fit in very, very well, then we have options on the bench. Obviously, certain players are restricted to certain minutes, so we have the option to change the game up.

He also confirmed, in as many words, that Saka and Eze can only play so many minutes tonight.

They’ve done really well already to be available, and let’s see for how long we can use them.

07:24pm

Arsenal were unhappy with the length of the pitch

If you remember, Atletico were unhappy before the league phase game about the lack of hot water in the dressing room when they trained at the Emirates. Tit for tat maybe?

Have we seen some of the dark arts from Diego Simeone? Arsenal were unhappy with the length of the grass at the Metropolitano Stadium – claiming it was too long and contravened the standards – and asked Uefa for a pitch inspection this afternoon. Arsenal staff were even seen with rulers claiming the grass was more than the 30mm long allowed limit. Uefa argued that it was just 26mm and therefore within the rules which was the same as when Atletico Madrid played Barcelona. So the grass has not been cut further. There was already plenty of talk about the state of the pitch as this has added to the intrigue.

07:21pm

Arsenal being cautious with Saka

Arsenal fans will be disappointed that Bukayo Saka is not starting tonight, especially because Noni Madueke’s performances in recent weeks have been poor.

We’ll hear from Arteta shortly but it seems clear they are trying to be careful with Saka, who missed a month of action with an Achilles problem before playing nine minutes against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Saka’s importance to the Arsenal attack cannot be overstated. In the Champions League this season they have averaged 2.6 goals and 2.3 xG per game when he plays, compared to 1.5 goals and 1.8 xG when he has been absent.

07:05pm

Trouble seems to be between police and home fans

Reports of pepper spray being fired from Spanish police towards home fans, and these pictures attest to that.

Atletico Madrid fans cover their mouths with scarves - Isabel Infantes/Reuters

Smoke billows as police try to disperse home fans - Isabel Infantes/Reuters

07:02pm

Atletico Madrid team news

Atletico Madrid starting XI: Oblak, Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Koke, Johnny, Lookman, Griezmann, Alvarez

Subs: Musso, Esquivel, Mendoza, Sorloth, Baena, Almada, Lenglet, Molina, Vargas, Le Normand, Bonar, Diaz

Antoine Griezmann scored against Arsenal - David Ramos/Getty Images

06:59pm

Roles reversed between Atleti and Arsenal

Only one team in the history of the European Cup and Champions League has played more games without winning the competition than Atletico Madrid. That team is... yes, you guessed it: Arsenal. Both sides have history in their sights, then, with only three matches separating them from glory.

What sort of match should we expect tonight? The first thing to note is that the alarming weather forecasts (storm warnings were issued) have so far proven to be false. We were told to expect torrential downpours but the sun is currently shining brightly at the Metropolitano.

In years past, you would assume that Arsenal would be the more progressive and offensive team in a match against Diego Simeone’s Atletico. These days, though, the situation seems to have flipped. Atletico are far more open than in the earlier years of Simeone’s reign: their run through the knockout stages has seen 28 goals in six matches. Arsenal’s four knockout games, by contrast, have produced just five goals.

William Saliba will lead Arsenal’s defence - David Ramos/Getty Images

06:56pm

Reports of some trouble outside the stadium

Arsenal fans outside the ground have seen some trouble with the local police, with claims from travelling supporters that rubber bullets have been fired. All was very calm around the stadium earlier this evening. More as we get it.

06:48pm

Arsenal team and subs

The selection of Martinelli, Gyokeres and Madueke as a front three will be a bone of contention among fans; that trio share many of the same flaws and at times struggle to make it stick. Eze and Saka on the bench suggests Arteta is playing the long game in the tie, and maybe there’s an eye on Fulham.

06:40pm

The rain looks to have stayed away... for now

The biblical rain forecast to threaten match conditions this evening appears to have been avoided.

An Atletico fan wearing a Fernando Torres shirt to the game - Isabel Infantes/Reuters

06:36pm

Julian Alvarez to Arsenal... could it happen?

Diego Simeone confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Arsenal are one of the clubs keen on Julian Alvarez, and my colleague Sam Dean has broken down whether that transfer is realistic. Arsenal are a stronger team across the pitch than Atletico, but do not have a forward of Alvarez’s class which could be decisive.

Alvarez is probably as close to being a guaranteed success as any forward in Europe. He proved at City that he can handle the physical intensity of the Premier League, is adaptable enough to have played under both Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone, has handled the pressure that comes with winning the World Cup with Argentina and excels in the Champions League. In 13 European appearances this season, he has nine goals and four assists.

06:27pm

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal might not be the game you are expecting

After PSG won last season’s Champions League, it could be argued that Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are the two biggest clubs yet to win Europe’s premier club competition.

Atletico are well off the pace in La Liga, so this tournament is their everything having lost two finals under Diego Simeone in 2014 and 2016 (painfully so too, against city rivals Real).

By contrast, Arsenal are in the thick of a league title race, leading Manchester City by three points. There is a chance to make that six points against Fulham on Saturday, albeit City will have two games in hand.

So while Atletico have been resting players domestically, Arsenal have been juggling plates and their players finished an unconvincing win over Newcastle down on their haunches.

That sense of fatigue, mental and physical, perhaps makes them more vulnerable than they should be on paper. They won 4-0 against Atletico in the league phase, but that game was in the balance for nearly an hour and Arsenal’s form was better in the autumn.

Many are predicting an eye-bleeding, attritional contest in stark contrast to PSG vs Bayern Munich, but those fears might be overstated.

Simeone’s team are not the robust, impenetrable wall that they used to be, and their best players – such as Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann – are up front. In Atletico’s last 21 games in all competitions there have been 82 goals scored by both teams.

Mikel Arteta declared that Arsenal were in Madrid “to win it,” and despite the loss of Kai Havertz, there is a chance for the Arsenal manager to get Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze on the pitch.

As the first 20 minutes away at PSG in last season’s semi-final demonstrated, Arsenal are sometimes more front-footed in big away games than they are given credit for (the same could be said for their approach at the Etihad a few weeks ago).

Full team news on the way shortly.

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