Antoine Griezmann equalised eight minutes from time to grab a 1-1 draw and give 10-man Atletico Madrid the advantage in their Europa League semi-final against Arsenal.
An expectant Emirates Stadium enjoyed an early onslaught from the Gunners in Arsene Wenger’s final European home match and Atletico right-back Sime Vrsaljko haphazardly collecting two yellow cards inside the opening 10 minutes placed further onus on the hosts.
Atleti’s famously miserly backline played without direction from boss Diego Simeone, who was sent to the stands by referee Clement Turpin, having refused to curtail his protests following Vrsaljko’s dismissal.
Atleti’s famously miserly backline played without direction from boss Diego Simeone, who was sent to the stands by referee Clement Turpin, having refused to curtail his protests following Vrsaljko’s dismissal.
They managed to hold out until the 61st-minute, when Lacazette expertly directed Jack Wilshere’s cross beyond Jan Oblak.
Simeone’s men had virtually disappeared as an attacking force in the closing stages but an ever-alert Griezmann preyed upon shoddy work from Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny to bear down on goal, find the roof of the net and entirely alter the complexion of an absorbing tie.
Lacazette volleyed wastefully wide from Danny Welbeck’s excellent cross before Oblak sharply kept out a header from the France striker.
Both opportunities arrived down Vrsaljko’s flank and the right-back’s torment would soon be curtailed as Lacazette touched the ball clear of the Croatia international, who trod on his ankle.
The two bookings seemed entirely justified, although not in Simeone’s eyes. The Atleti boss howled for punishment when Hector Bellerin brought down Lucas Hernandez in the 13th minute and Turpin decided he had heard enough.
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