1. ATLETICO MADRID 1-1 ARSENAL — TIE LEVEL AT THE BREAK


Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano last night in a fiery Champions League semi-final first leg. Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time — he was bundled over in the box after being brought down by sloppy Atletico defending. Julian Alvarez levelled with his own penalty in the 55th minute, smashing it into the top corner after Rice was judged to have fouled in the area. A third penalty was awarded late when Eze was tripped inside the box, but VAR overturned the decision, denying Arsenal what would have been a winning lead. The 1-1 result means the tie is level heading into next Tuesday's second leg at the Emirates. Arsenal need only a draw at home to progress, though Atletico — who have won 11 of 15 two-legged ties against English clubs — will fancy their chances of nicking a goal in north London. Griezmann hit the woodwork. Lookman was lively but wasteful. Declan Rice completed 83 passes — the second-most by an English midfielder in a UCL semi-final on record. Lineups: Atletico: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Alvarez. Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.


2. RONALDO SCORES, THEN FIRES AT IVAN TONEY AND AL-AHLI


Cristiano Ronaldo was at the centre of all the drama in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night. He scored the opening goal — a precise header in the 76th minute — as Al-Nassr beat Al-Ahli 2-0 at Al Awwal Park, with Kingsley Coman adding the second. The result puts Al-Nassr eight points clear of Al-Hilal with five games remaining, on the brink of their first-ever Saudi Pro League title. After the final whistle, Ronaldo spoke to Canal GOAT and hit out at Al-Ahli figures — including Ivan Toney, coach Matthias Jaissle and winger Galeno — who had complained on social media about refereeing bias after a 1-1 draw against Al-Fayha earlier in the season. Ronaldo said: "I think this is not good for the league. Everyone is complaining. This is football, it's not a war. I am going to speak out at the end of the season because I see several bad things." He also scored his 970th career goal. A title win at Al-Qadsiah on May 3 would seal the SPL crown.


3. MAINOO SIGNS NEW MAN UNITED CONTRACT UNTIL 2031


Kobbie Mainoo has committed his future to Manchester United, agreeing a new contract until June 2031 confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday. The 21-year-old's salary jumps from £25,000 to £120,000 per week. Mainoo had been on the verge of leaving as recently as January under Ruben Amorim, but Michael Carrick's arrival as interim boss changed everything — Mainoo has started every game under him and is now the first name on the teamsheet. He has made 98 appearances for United, scoring seven goals, including the winner in the 2024 FA Cup final against City. With Casemiro leaving this summer, Mainoo becomes even more central to United's plans.


4. ARSENAL INJURY UPDATE AHEAD OF FULHAM SATURDAY


Arsenal face Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday in the Premier League before hosting Atletico in the UCL second leg the following Tuesday. Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze both featured last night — Eze was involved until late — meaning both are fit. Saka also played, getting through 90 minutes without issue, which is the biggest positive of the week. The injury concern now is Madueke, who was taken off in the second half. Arteta will be managing his squad carefully ahead of one of the most demanding weeks in the club's recent history — Premier League title race and a UCL semi-final second leg in the space of five days.


5. BARCELONA CLOSE TO LA LIGA TITLE — WHAT THEY NEED


Barcelona are 11 points clear of Real Madrid with five games remaining. They face Mallorca at Camp Nou on Saturday. If they win and Madrid fail to beat Espanyol on Sunday, the title is confirmed. If both win this weekend, Barcelona need one more result from their remaining four games. The El Clasico on May 10 at Camp Nou — now a likely title coronation — looms large. Yamal remains out with a hamstring tear but Raphinha returned to group training this week and is pushing for Saturday.