In a game defined by penalties, Víctor Gyökeres put Arsenal ahead in the 44th minute, before Julián Álvarez responded with a penalty of his own to level the score 11 minutes into the second half.
Arsenal thought they had a chance to take the lead late on after being awarded a second penalty when Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hanko inside the area. However, after being urged by the video assistant referee to consult the pitchside monitor, referee Danny McCallie overruled this.
It was a tight contest in Madrid between two clubs seeking to return to the finals after a long absence and win a European title for the first time.
It was a sharp contrast to Tuesday’s semi-final, when defending champion Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thriller in France.
Atlético last made the Champions League final in 2016, when they lost to city rivals Real Madrid.
“We tried,” said Atletico midfielder Koke. “We started off losing that penalty, which was questionable, but the team recovered and we equalized with a penalty ourselves. We had chances to win, but it will all be decided in the second leg. I think we played a good match.”
Gyöckeres broke the deadlock from the penalty spot on Wednesday when he was brought down inside the area by Hanco, who was slightly late to the ball and slightly bumped the Arsenal striker from behind. The creation came after Atlético lost possession in attack.
“Overall I think it was a tough game, we know it’s a tough place, but it’s only halftime,” Gyöckeres said. “We know when we play at home, with our fans, it’s definitely going to be different and we just have to do our job, play our best, and it’ll definitely be a good game at home.”
Arsenal last reached the final in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona.
Atlético were awarded a penalty following a handball by Arsenal defender Ben White following Marcos Llorente’s shot. Call came after video review. Alvarez converted the penalty with a strong shot for his 10th Champions League goal this season. He had to be replaced later in the second half with an apparent injury.
The penalty was Arsenal’s first attempt on target, but both teams had exchanged few early chances. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made a good save on a shot from Álvarez, and Martin Edgard – who was later substituted – had his dangerous strike from inside the area blocked by Atlético defenders.
Alvarez led the Atlético attack, but the connection with Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman did not go well until the second half.
Alvarez almost scored with a free kick strike after the break, and Lookman and Griezmann both had chances soon after. Griezmann hit the post in the 63rd. Lookman, who was doubtful to start with a muscle injury, missed from close range late in the second half.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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