🥐 From the Metropolitano hangover to the Vallecas dream, 5 for Thursday

🥐 From the Metropolitano hangover to the Vallecas dream, 5 for Thursday

Continental football has entered its most decisive phase, where every detail matters and epic moments blend with controversy.

While Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal have left everything open for the return leg in London after an electric clash, other underdog sides such as Rayo Vallecano are savoring the sweet scent of a historic semifinal.

Between untimely injuries and refereeing complaints that have set the microphones of the international press alight, today’s action leaves us with five must-read headlines to understand the current football landscape.

Level at the Metropolitano: Everything will be decided at the Emirates

Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals. In a match full of tactical tension, Mikel Arteta’s side struck first thanks to a goal from Viktor Gyökeres, but Simeone’s men managed to level the contest with a Julián Álvarez penalty. The result leaves the tie completely open ahead of next week’s second leg in London.

Simeone concern: Julián and Giuliano finish the match "knocked"

The negative note for Los Colchoneros was the physical condition of the Simeone pair (through footballing ties and surname). Julián Álvarez, who scored the goal, had to come off after suffering an ankle knock in a collision with Eberechi Eze. Meanwhile, was substituted at halftime due to severe pain in his waist after a clash with Hincapié. "Cholo" sounded optimistic after the match, but both remain doubts for the upcoming fixtures.