In a tightly contested UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal played out a 1–1 draw at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday night.

The hosts started on the front foot in the opening five minutes, looking to make an early breakthrough, but Arsenal gradually took control of the first half. 

Viktor Gyökeres gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot a minute before the interval.

Diego Simeone made tactical adjustments after the break, and they paid off as the La Liga side deservedly equalised through Julián Álvarez in the 56th minute, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in north London next week.

Ademola Lookman was left frustrated after being denied twice in the second half by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, whose performance drew praise from former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou.

The Nigeria international had been carrying an injury in recent weeks, but surprisingly went the distance against the Gunners. 

The former African Footballer of the Year came close to finding the net in the 53rd and 73rd minutes, but was thwarted by Raya.

Kalou highlighted the importance of such interventions in high-stakes matches, singling out Raya's saves against the Nigerian as key moments. 

"If you want to go far in those kinds of competitions, you need to have a goalkeeper who can save you when it matters,” Kalou said on SuperSport, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Tonight he (David Raya) had a fantastic game, and the stop against Lookman was one of them. Stay on your line and be ready to catch the ball.

"That’s what Arsenal need. If they are to go further in this competition, they need to have a world-class goalkeeper."

Lookman has now gone six matches without scoring or registering an assist against Arsenal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel