Atletico Madrid and Arsenal exchanged penalties in a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday, a gritty encounter with plenty of intensity from start to finish, even if it lacked the fireworks of the nine-goal thriller that saw defending champion Paris Saint-Germain edge Bayern Munich 5-4 in France on Tuesday.

Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal ahead at the Metropolitano stadium on Wednesday, converting a 44th-minute penalty kick before Julian Alvarez equalized for Atletico — also from the penalty spot — 12 minutes later.

The Gunners were awarded another penalty in the 78th minute after Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko inside the area, but the call was overturned after a video review.

The second leg is in London next Tuesday, when both clubs have a shot at returning to the final after a long absence, giving whichever side makes it a chance to win the European title for the first time.

"Here, you have to suffer. Many teams have suffered here, including some of the best in the world," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said.

"We had some good moments in the match, and moments where we had to suffer. The margins are very slim. We are in an incredible position — the semifinal of the Champions League. Now, we have to play in front of our people — it's in our hands."

In the league phase of the competition, Arsenal routed Atletico 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Atletico last made it to the Champions League final in 2016, when it lost to crosstown rival Real Madrid.

"We tried," Atletico midfielder Jorge Resurreccion said. "We went behind to that penalty, which was doubtful, but the team recovered and we were able to equalize with a penalty ourselves. We had the opportunities to win, but it will all be decided in the second leg. I think we played a good match."

Gyokeres broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after he was brought down inside the area by Hancko, who was a bit late to the ball and slightly bumped the Arsenal striker from behind.

The buildup came after Atletico lost possession in attack.

"Overall, I think it was a tough game, we know it's a tough place to come, but it's only halftime," Gyokeres said.

"We know that, when we play at home, with our fans, it's going to be different, for sure, and we just have to do our job, be at our best. It's going to be a good game at home."

Arsenal last appeared in the final in 2006, when it lost to Barcelona.

The Rojiblancos' equalizer came after a handball by Arsenal defender Ben White following a shot by Marcos Llorente.

The call came after a video review, and Alvarez converted the penalty with a firm shot for his 10th Champions League goal this season, before being replaced later in the second half with an apparent injury.

Gyokeres' opening penalty was Arsenal's first attempt on target, but both teams had exchanged a few early chances.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had made a nice save on a shot by Alvarez, and Martin Odegaard — who was also substituted later — had his dangerous strike from inside the area blocked by Atletico's defense.

Alvarez led the Atletico attack early on, but the connection with Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman didn't work well until the second half.

Alvarez almost curled in a freekick after the break, and both Lookman and Griezmann had chances shortly afterward. Griezmann struck the post with a shot in the 63rd minute, and Lookman, who had been doubtful to start because of a muscle injury, missed from close range later in the second half.

"We played a very good second half and had the chances to win the match," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.

Griezmann, who played his last home Champions League fixture with Atletico, was named the player of the match.

The France star will join MLS club Orlando City this summer.

Agencies via Xinhua