Mikel Arteta expressed fury after a controversial VAR decision in Arsenal’s 1–1 draw with Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Semi-final.
Softfootball understands that he incident came in the 78th minute when a penalty initially awarded for a foul on substitute Eberechi Eze was overturned after a VAR review. As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Arteta strongly criticized the decision, calling it “against the rules” and “completely unacceptable,” insisting it changed the course of the tie.
Romano reported:
Mikel Arteta on the penalty getting overturned: I’m extremely disappointed & annoyed. It was AGAINST THE RULES and I don’t understand it.
Mikel Arteta: I am very upset, it’s unacceptable to see the penalty overturned.
The original call followed contact involving defender David Hancko, but after multiple replays, the referee reversed the decision. Arteta maintained that clear contact justified the penalty.
Mikel Arteta: What I’m incredibly fuming with is how Eze’s penalty get overturned, and in that way.
However, many observers argued the contact was minimal, fueling ongoing debate about VAR consistency in high-stakes matches.
The game itself saw Viktor Gyökeres score from the spot for Arsenal, while Julián Álvarez converted for Atlético, leaving the tie evenly balanced heading into the second leg.
The controversy has intensified discussions among fans and analysts, with some also pointing to Arsenal’s limited attacking output from open play during the match.
Meanwhile, Romano also confirmed that Antoine Griezmann was named Player of the Match. Despite not scoring, the veteran forward was recognized for his leadership, movement, and influence in attack.
OFFICIAL: Antoine Griezmann, UEFA Man of the Match on his last Champions League game ever at the Metropolitano.
The match marked Griezmann’s final Champions League appearance at the Metropolitano, as the 35-year-old is expected to leave Atlético at the end of the season, with reports linking him to Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer.
In his post-match comments, Griezmann expressed confidence ahead of the return leg at the Emirates, emphasizing his ambition to reach the final and deliver when it matters most.
