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12:02, 27-Apr-2018
Ten-men Atletico hold Arsenal to 1-1 Europa League draw
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A late Antoine Griezmann strike saw 10-men Atletico Madrid salvage a 1-1 draw away to Arsenal in the Europa League semifinal first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The hosts got an unexpected early advantage on Thursday night as Atletico defender Sime Vrsaljko was dismissed for two yellow cards just 10 minutes after kickoff.
The Spanish side received another big blow when furious manager Diego Simeone was sent to the stands shortly afterward. However, a spirited defensive performance spearheaded by skipper Diego Godin, helped the Spanish club see out a goalless first half.
Arsenal's Alex Lacazette heads past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak to score the Arsenal goal during the UEFA Europa League semifinal leg one match at Emirates Stadium in London. /VCG Photo
Arsenal's Alex Lacazette heads past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak to score the Arsenal goal during the UEFA Europa League semifinal leg one match at Emirates Stadium in London. /VCG Photo
The home side finally broke Atletico resistance in the 61st minute when Alexandre Lacazette slotted in Jack Wilshere's cross to take the lead for the Gunners, who were enjoying the advantage of having an extra man on the field.
But with eight minutes remaining, Griezmann leveled with the all-important away goal to turn the tide for his side heading into the second leg in Madrid next Thursday.
In the other semifinal of the night, French side Marseille beat Austria's Red Bull Salzburg 2-0 at Stade Velodrome. Dimitri Payet played a key role for the Ligue 1 side as he set up both goals.