Three Arsenal stars heroic in Atletico Madrid draw as VAR drama overshadows game

This one will go the full distance. We did not get the goals of the previous night’s semi-final but we did get plenty of rows, devilment and an intriguing battle which finished honours even ahead of next week’s second leg. Two penalties, another overturned and Arsenal will feel as if they were hard done by and probably did enough to win after a really strong away performance. There must be some disappointment not to leave the Metropolitano with a precious victory but, ultimately, Mikel Arteta would have taken this result before kick-off. And they have a wonderful chance to reach next month’s final as their unbeaten run in the Champions League was extended to 13 games which equals a club record. Arsenal are very hard to beat and, under some heavy Atletico second half pressure, they stood firm with heroic performances from the likes of Declan Rice , David Raya and Gabriel . There must also be a mention for Viktor Gyokeres who produced one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt as he battled, scrapped and fought for every ball. It was Gyokeres who smashed home Arsenal’s penalty for his 19th goal of the season in all competitions and they will feel they should have had another after David Hancko’s challenge on Eberechi Eze was initially given and then overturned by VAR . WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition today Atletico boss Diego Simeone was screaming into referee Danny Makkelie’s ear when he was looking at the screen. It looked a harsh U-turn and, after giving it, even harsher to overturn it. That, in all honesty, looked as clear as any of them because Julian Alvarez converted after Marcos Llorente’s shot hit Ben White ’s body and then deflected up onto his arm. Arsenal certainly did enough to win. They were sharp in attack, much the better team in the first half and it was only after Simeone substituted his own son Giuliano at half time to go five at the back did they get a foothold on the game. Let’s be honest, no one ever thought we would get a repeat of the nine-goal thriller between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich but it was gripping all the same. Arsenal were lively in attack in the first half thanks to Gyokeres, the sharpness of Noni Madueke and pace of Gabriel Martinelli . That might not have been a dream front three for some fans but they did well. Who'll reach the final? Give us your prediction in the comments section . Apart from one decent Alvarez effort which Raya saved, the first half belonged to Arsenal. Gyokeres’ powerful run and cut back which set up Martin Odegaard for a big chance. His slight hesitation allowed Johnny Cardoso to make a great block. Then Arsenal went ahead. Gyokeres was clearly pushed in the back by Hancko and referee Danny Makkelie gave a penalty after a VAR check. One thing Gyokeres is very good at is penalties. The £64million Swede smashed it home beyond Atletico 'keeper Jan Oblak . But at half-time, Simeone switched it. They went five at the back and pushed Arsenal back. Atletico were miles better. Ademola Lookman was denied by Raya and Gabriel made a great block from Antoine Griezmann’s follow-up. The reprieve did not last long. A penalty was given against White and Alvarez fired home. Arsenal survived an onslaught as Griezmann hit the bar. Arsenal turned the tide and finished strongly. They should have had another penalty but it finished all square and all to play for. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us - and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're cu rious, you can read our Privacy Notice .