Two penalties tied the score at 1-1 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.
The teams face off in the return leg on Tuesday at 9pm in London. The result of the first leg leaves the question of qualification for the final completely open.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeArsenal and Atletico Madrid are seeking their first Champions League success, but are initially committed to making it to the final on May 30 in Budapest.
Arsenal have one final loss in 2006, while Atletico Madrid have lost European finals in 1974, 2014 and 2016.
Arsenal are in better form. Mikel Arteta's team won 3-0 against Fulham at the weekend and thus continued their strong run for the Premier League title.
Atletico won 2-0 against Valencia, but have been out of the title race in Spain for some time. This could actually serve Diego Simeone's team, who can focus fully on the Champions League.
"I will tell my players to play like in the second half of the home game. We will try to play the game that needs to be played, with intensity. We have a lot of confidence in what we are doing," said Simeone.
For Atletico's French striker Antoine Griezmann, this could be his last Champions League game. He will leave the Madrid team at the end of this season.
"It will be a big game to play and we hope we will show the right commitment and cope with the pressure. We are one step away from the final. The team knows this and it is clear that there is a lot of confidence before the match in London," said Griezmann.
The Frenchman stressed that Champions League matches are always different and interesting. Griezmann said that he is not a player who talks a lot, but who tries hard to help his teammates on the pitch.
Swede Viktor Gyokeres scored Arsenal's goal in Madrid, while at the weekend he scored two goals and made an assist in the 3:0 victory over Fulham.
The 27-year-old is becoming increasingly important for the Gunners.
"It's amazing to play this game at home. We know what the value of the game is. We have an amazing opportunity and to enjoy this with the fans will be special. But we have to show up on the field. With the support of the spectators I believe it will be a great night," said Gyokeres.
He spoke of the optimism in the London team. Gyokeres expects Arsenal to play with energy and commitment in all the remaining matches. He has exploded this year, scoring 18 goals for Arsenal and Sweden.
"It will be a difficult match, just like in Madrid. Atletico have an excellent team, they have a lot of quality in attack and we know they are a dangerous team. We have to cope well with this and perform properly when we have the ball," added Gyokeres.
In the other semi-final, on Wednesday night, Bayern and PSG meet.