Arsenal claimed a draw in Madrid amid heated VAR debate, Liverpool expect Mohamed Salah back before season end, Millie Bright retires and Mykhailo Mudryk appeals to CAS
The Champions League semi-final first leg in Madrid finished in a controversial 1-1 draw that left Arsenal questioning a late decision which could shape the tie. Viktor Gyokeres had put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after contact with David Hancko, only for Atlético Madrid to level through Julián Álvarez from the spot after a separate VAR review ruled a Ben White handball.
In the second half, a third penalty was awarded to Arsenal when substitute Eberechi Eze went down under a challenge from Hancko, but referee Danny Makkelie overturned his call after consulting the pitchside monitor, sparking furious reaction from the Arsenal camp and manager Mikel Arteta.
That overturned decision dominates the aftermath, with accusations that the process involved too many replays and created uncertainty about how the rules are being applied in elite fixtures. Arteta described himself as “incredibly fuming” at the reversal, saying the review produced no clear and obvious error to justify changing the spot-kick award.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone defended his side, arguing variability in VAR outcomes is part of the game. The draw leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg at the Emirates, with both teams still very much in contention.
How the penalties shaped the game
Arsenal’s opening goal came just before half-time when Gyokeres was adjudged to have been fouled by Hancko and converted the penalty in the 44th minute, giving the Gunners a valuable lead in a hostile Metropolitano Stadium. Atlético responded after the break when Ben White was penalised for handball following a VAR intervention; Julián Álvarez stepped up to make it 1-1 from the spot in the 56th minute. The match thereafter swung between tense defensive periods for Arsenal and bursts of attacking pressure from the home side, with the momentum shifting back and forth as both managers made tactical adjustments.
The late reversal and its consequences
In the 78th minute, Eze was brought down by Hancko and Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, but after a prolonged visit to the monitor he rescinded the decision, judging the contact insufficient. The U-turn drew loud reaction from Arsenal players and staff, and the home crowd celebrated the call. Critics argue the sequence highlighted inconsistencies in the interpretation of contact and the threshold for overturning on-field calls; defenders of the system say thorough checks are part of ensuring correct outcomes. Regardless, the reversal removed a late chance for Arsenal to take a narrow advantage back to north London.
Liverpool update: mohamed Salah expected back
Elsewhere in domestic news, Liverpool have moved to reassure supporters that Mohamed Salah should return before the season concludes. The Egypt forward suffered a hamstring problem during the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Anfield and was initially feared to be sidelined until the summer, ahead of his departure from the club. After further assessment, Liverpool described the issue as a minor muscle injury, indicating he is expected to be available ahead of the final home fixture against Brentford on May 24. The update will be welcomed by supporters watching a season finish that still has several key matches to play out.
Women’s football and disciplinary developments
In the women’s game, Chelsea captain Millie Bright announced her retirement, revealing she had played through pain for years and deciding to bring a distinguished career to an end. Bright, 32, leaves a legacy that includes helping England win the European Championship and captaining her country to a World Cup final; she made 314 appearances for Chelsea after joining from Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2015 and collected 20 trophies while earning 88 caps for England. Her decision marks the close of a notable era for Chelsea and the England national team.
Meanwhile, Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has taken his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being charged by the Football Association in June last year and provisionally suspended since December 2026. Reports have linked the player to a potential four-year ban, though CAS confirmed only that it has received an appeal and that written submissions are being exchanged; a hearing has not yet been scheduled. The development adds another high-profile disciplinary issue to the football calendar and will be closely watched by clubs and governing bodies.
Looking ahead
With the Champions League return leg pending, Arsenal will aim to settle the controversy on the pitch at the Emirates while focusing on Premier League fixtures to finish the season strongly. Other fixtures to monitor include Nottingham Forest hosting Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-final first leg, and Crystal Palace facing Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League tie taking place in Poland. As the season reaches its closing stages, decisions on injuries, disciplinary appeals and the fine margins of VAR interpretation promise to keep debate alive across the game.
