Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left furious after a late penalty awarded to his side was dramatically overturned during their 1–1 draw against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
With the match finely poised in the closing stages, Eberechi Eze went down inside the penalty area following a challenge from defender David Hancko, who appeared to make contact with his foot.
Dutch referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, only to reverse his decision after a VAR review, much to the delight of the home supporters at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Arteta did not hide his frustration after the match.
“What I’m incredibly frustrated about is how that penalty on Eze gets overturned in the manner it did,” he told reporters.
“At this level, decisions like that can completely change the course of the game. I’m sorry, but that simply cannot happen.”
Arsenal had earlier taken the lead through a penalty converted by Viktor Gyökeres after he was fouled by Hancko.
However, Julián Álvarez equalised for Atlético early in the second half from the spot following a handball by Ben White.
While Arteta accepted the decision to award Atlético their penalty citing consistency with a similar call in the other semi-final he was adamant that the overturned decision involving Eze was unacceptable.
“We are all extremely frustrated,” he added.
“You work for nine months to reach this stage, and moments like that can define the entire tie. It’s very difficult to accept.”
In contrast, Atlético boss Diego Simeone welcomed the role of VAR, which also led to the awarding of his side’s penalty.
“In my opinion, the first penalty for Arsenal was soft,” said Simeone.
“But VAR corrected key decisions. Sometimes it works in your favour, sometimes it doesn’t.”
The tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg in London next Tuesday, with both sides still chasing their first-ever Champions League title.
“What lies ahead is an extraordinary challenge,” Simeone added.
“We go to London full of belief, ready to give everything against a very strong Arsenal side.”
