Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Spanish opponents, Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semifinal game on Thursday evening.

Super Eagle Alex Iwobi was an unused substitute for the Gunners in the frenzied encounter at the Emirates stadium.

Croatian defender, Sime Vrsaljko's early sending off for Atletico Madrid looked to have tipped the scale in Arsenal's favour as the hosts breathlessly came at their opponents with a string of first half chances.

The breakthrough eventually arrived a minute past the hour mark for Arsene Wenger's men, Jack Wilshere's inch-perfect cross finding Alexandre Lacazette who headed down past Rojibalancos goalie, Jan Oblak.

And when it looked the goal would just be enough for the victory, Antoine Griezman popped up with a vital equaliser eight minutes from time, getting the better of compatriot, Laurent Koscielny to side foot in and swing the tie back in Madrid's side ahead of the return leg.

Alex Iwobi has made six appearances(three starts) for the Gunners in the competition this season, logging 334 minutes but was not afforded any run out here.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : arsenal.com