Arsenal were frustrated by penalty drama as their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid ended in a contentious 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano. The Gunners' bid to reach their first final in 20 years hangs in the balance after a VAR-dominated encounter.
Penalty Controversy in Madrid
Viktor Gyokeres fired Arsenal into the lead with a 44th-minute penalty after being fouled by David Hancko. However, Julian Alvarez equalised from the spot in the 56th minute after Ben White was penalised for handball following a VAR review. Arsenal were awarded a second penalty when Eberechi Eze was brought down by Hancko's outstretched leg, but referee Danny Makkelie overturned his initial decision after consulting the pitchside monitor, sparking debate.
Salah to Return Before Summer Exit
Liverpool expect Mohamed Salah to play again this season before leaving the club in the summer. The Egypt forward suffered a hamstring injury during the 3-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield. With only four games remaining, fears arose he might not feature again. However, further tests revealed only a "minor muscle injury," and Liverpool confirmed he should be available before the season ends with a home game against Brentford on May 24.
Millie Bright Retires
Former England defender Millie Bright announced her immediate retirement from football, revealing she had been "playing injured for the last six years." The 32-year-old Chelsea captain helped England win the European Championship in 2022 and captained the Lionesses to the World Cup final in 2023. She made 314 appearances and won 20 trophies with Chelsea since joining in 2015. "Representing Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but I'm now ready to say goodbye," said Bright, who earned 88 England caps.
Mudryk Appeals to CAS
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) amid reports of a four-year ban for breaching anti-doping rules. Mudryk was charged by the Football Association in June last year, having been provisionally suspended since December 2024. A CAS statement confirmed receipt of the appeal, noting that written submissions are being exchanged and a hearing is yet to be scheduled.
In other football news, Nottingham Forest host Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-final first leg, while Crystal Palace face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-final in Poland.
