Viktor Gyokeres said Arsenal’s Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid is “only half time” after the 1-1 draw in Spain.
Viktor Gyokeres insisted Arsenal still have belief they can finish the job at the Emirates after their 1-1 Champions League semi-final first-leg draw with Atletico Madrid.
The striker put Mikel Arteta’s side ahead from the penalty spot in the first half at the Metropolitano, but Atletico responded after the break to leave the tie level ahead of next week’s return fixture in north London.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Gyokeres admitted Arsenal had controlled large parts of the opening half before Atletico improved after the interval.
“I think in the first half we controlled the game quite well,” Gyokeres said. “We had a few good opportunities to score. Managed to score out of one of them and then I think in the second half they started much better.
“Maybe deserved to get a goal eventually. Towards the end I think we got a few okay chances, but overall, tough game. We know it’s a tough place to come, but it’s only half time.”
That final line was the key message from Arsenal’s perspective. A draw away to Atletico in a Champions League semi-final is still a strong platform, even if the visitors will feel they had chances to take more from the first leg.
Gyokeres was also asked about the penalty decisions after Arsenal were denied a second spot-kick late on. David Hancko was initially penalised for a challenge on Eberechi Eze, only for the decision to be overturned after a VAR review.
The Sweden international had already been substituted by that stage, but said: “I don’t know why they turned it down. It looks like a contact, but it’s their decision.”
Arsenal had to absorb more pressure after Atletico’s equaliser, with the home crowd helping Diego Simeone’s side build momentum. Gyokeres accepted that it became difficult for Arteta’s side to regain the rhythm they had shown earlier in the match.
“It was not very easy,” he said. “Of course they have the crowd here. We always try to play and to get back that momentum we had in the first half. Towards the end I think we got it back a little bit, but it was a tough second half.”
The tie will now be decided at the Emirates, where Arsenal will try to reach the Champions League final. Gyokeres believes home advantage can make a difference, but warned that Arsenal will still need to produce their best level.
“We know when we play at home with our fans, it’s going to be different for sure,” he added. “We just have to do our job, be at our best and for sure it’s going to be a good game at home.”