Penalty drama as Arsenal draw away to Atletico Madrid

Arsenal’s bid to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years hangs in the balance after a controversial 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in Spain. Viktor Gyokeres fired Arsenal into the lead with a penalty however, Julian Alvarez also scored from the spot early in the second half. Arsenal were then denied a chance to restore their lead when referee Danny Makkelie overturned his on-pitch decision to award the visitors another penalty.

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Advantage Atleti as 10 man Barca left on the brink

Atletico Madrid took a firm grip on their Champions League ⁠quarter-final as goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth earned a 2-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Barcelona dominated proceedings, but Atletico’s rock-solid defence combined ‌with swift ⁠counter-attacks paid off after Pau Cubarsi was sent off for hauling down Giuliano Simeone in the 42nd minute as the last man.

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Díaz gives Real Madrid slim advantage over Atlético

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz scored a second-half winner as the hosts edged out neighbours Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a scrappy first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday after Julian Alvarez had cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener. It was a stuttering capital derby between bitter rivals who at times looked to be playing within themselves, seemingly conserving some energy for what is likely to be a compelling return leg.

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Man City cruise past Copenhagen to reach last eight

Manchester City enjoyed the perfect warm-up for Sunday’s crucial Premier League trip to Liverpool as they cruised past Copenhagen to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for a seventh successive season. Ahead by two goals from the first leg in Copenhagen three weeks ago, any lingering hopes of a shock were ended within nine minutes as Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez found the net.

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Manchester City fightback to edge out Everton

Manchester City had to come from behind to beat Everton as the champions kept pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool. Jack Harrison gave the hosts a first half lead however City turned things around in the second half with Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva all found the back of the net to secure three points.

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