Saka goal puts Arsenal ahead against Atletico Madrid at Emirates Stadium
Arsenal beats Atlético from Madrid 1-0 at halftime of the return match of the Champions League quarterfinals, this Tuesday, at Arsenal Stadium. The goal was scored by striker Bukayo Saka in the 44th minute of the opening stage, after taking advantage of a rebound from goalkeeper Jan Oblak. With this partial result, the English team takes the advantage on the aggregate score, which was tied at 1-1. The match moves into the second half in no time and the atmosphere is one of total decision in Londres.
Mikel Arteta’s team controlled the action during almost the entire opening 45 minutes, maintaining over 60% ball possession. Madrid’s Atlético, set up in a solid defensive scheme, tried to punish the home team with quick counterattacks, but ran into the efficient coverage of the English defenders. The game remains open for the complementary stage, with the two coaches studying tactical changes to define the semifinalist of the biggest Europa club competition.
Saka decides after offensive insistence from Gunners
The opening goal of the scoreboard came at the end of the first half, rewarding the team that most sought to attack since the opening whistle. In a play started by Gyökeres, the ball fell to Trossard on the left wing. The Belgian cut inside and fired a powerful shot towards the opponent’s goal. Jan Oblak made a difficult save, but was unable to keep the ball, which fell to Saka’s feet. The number 7 just pushed it into the net and blew up the stadium.
Antes to open the scoring, Arsenal had already created at least three clear scoring chances with shots from outside the area. Gabriel Magalhães and Calafiori tried to surprise the Slovenian goalkeeper with strong shots, but their aim narrowly missed. The offensive movement of Eze and Rice was also fundamental in opening gaps in the compact defensive line set up by Diego Simeone, which suffered from the lateral attacks of the home team.
Domínio territorial marks the first stage in Londres
The statistics of the first half reflect the technical and territorial superiority of Arsenal in front of their fans in Emirates Stadium. With a quick exchange of passes in the opponent’s defensive field, the London team prevented Atlético from being able to create dangerous plays for long periods. The pressure was constant and forced the visitors to make mistakes when passing the ball, generating immediate recoveries in the attacking field.
- Arsenal finished the 1Q with 66% possession of the ball compared to 34% for the Spanish team.
- Bukayo Saka scored his goal in the 44th minute taking advantage of Trossard’s leftovers.
- Foram 6 shots from the English team against just 3 from Madri’s team.
- Midfielder Declan Rice prevented a goal from Atlético with a tackle in the 10th minute.
- The game was fast-paced with few interruptions due to fouls.
Mikel Arteta’s strategy of using wide wings worked to wear down the full-backs Pubill and Ruggeri. Mesmo with the goal conceded at the end, Atlético’s defense of Madrid behaved heroically in several moments, blocking dangerous shots from Rice and Saka. Arsenal’s midfield sector was the team’s engine, distributing the game with precision and nullifying the creation of Koke and Llorente.
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Atlético from Madrid bets on speed to draw
Apesar spent much of its time defending itself, Atlético’s Madrid was not a completely harmless team in the English capital. Diego Simeone’s team had its best opportunity 10 minutes into the game, after a mistake in the ball from Arsenal. Giuliano Simeone received a free kick in the area and shot hard, but was stopped by Declan Rice in a move that was celebrated as a goal by the local fans.
Julián Álvarez was also in danger with a first-time shot after assistance from Simeone, but the ball went to the left of goalkeeper David Raya. The Spanish team is now looking to reorganize itself for the second half, needing at least one goal to take the decision to extra time. Griezmann, Atleti’s main star, was well marked by Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, appearing more in defensive roles than in the finishing sector during the first half.
Linha of the decisive moments of the first half
The match started with high spirits and a physical intensity worthy of a decision between Champions League and Londres. The referee had a hard time controlling the complaints, but the game technically flowed well. Confira the main moments that rocked Arsenal Stadium before the break:
- 00′ – Game Início: Arsenal takes the initiative and pressures Atlético to exit.
- 08′ – Chute dangerous: Calafiori takes a long shot and the ball goes over the crossbar.
- 10′ – Milagre defensive: Rice stops Giuliano Simeone’s shot almost in the small area.
- 18′ – Quase the first: Gabriel Magalhães finishes low and the ball scrapes the left post.
- 30′ – Impedimento: Llorente has a blocked shot and the referee signals an irregular position.
- 44′ – ARSENAL GOAL: Saka takes advantage of Oblak’s rebound after Trossard’s shot and opens the score.
- 46′ – Intervalo: The referee ends the first stage with a partial victory for the English.
The second half promises to be even more competitive, with Atlético and Madrid being forced to leave for the game if they want to keep their semi-final dream alive. Arsenal, in turn, must try to maintain control of the pace to extend the advantage and avoid scares at home. The definition of the vacancy will take place in the next 45 minutes of the ball rolling.
