Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal a half-time lead in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Atletico Madrid, scoring from the penalty spot to cap an impressive opening period from the Gunners.
Atletico had the better chances in the first half, with Julian Alvarez forcing a fine save from David Raya and then heading narrowly over the crossbar from close range.
But Arsenal largely did a good job of containing their hosts amid a raucous atmosphere at the Metropolitano.
And they were rewarded for their efforts in the 44th minute as Gyokeres put them in front.
The Swede went down after being clumsily pushed in the back by Atletico centre-back David Hancko.
Referee Danny Makkelie showed little hesitation in pointing to the spot, drawing furious protests from Atletico. Despite the din being produced by the home crowd, Gyokeres delivered under the pressure and found the bottom-left corner, the power of his strike proving too much for Jan Oblak.
Holders Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich will await in the final if Arsenal can get past Atletico, and they entered the dressing room at half-time 45 minutes from taking a huge step towards doing so.
