David Hancko

Madrid’s manic man in black is the personification of the club’s longing to be back in the Champions League final Diego Simeone had patrolled the touchline all in black, heart racing and arms waving, applying all the pressure he could, seeking to impart his justice, as Danny Makkelie went to the pitchside monitor to make the decision that could have decided this game. Now, as the referee crossed the line back on to the pitch, signalling that there would not be a second penalty for Arsenal after all, Atlético Madrid’s manager followed him. There on the pitch, the force with which he pushed Dávid Hancko and Johnny Cardoso and the volume of the roar from around this stadium, spoke of relief, some kind of redemption. In the end, then, this was a tale of two penalties, not three. On a night of extreme tension and tiny margins, Viktor Gyökeres and Julián Alvarez scored theirs; Leandro Trossard didn’t get the chance to take his, if it even was going to be his. He had stood by the spot, ball under his arm, waiting, but upon second glance – or third or fourth or 13th– Makkelie decided that Hancko’s challenge on Eberechi Eze, studs on boot, was not enough. Hancko, who had given away the first penalty too, had escaped punishment, apart from Simeone’s shove.

Watch the moment an Arsenal penalty for a foul on Eberechi Eze by Atletico Madrid's David Hancko is overturned by VAR in their Champions League first-leg tie.

Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday evening. Arsenal were the first to threaten when Noni Madueke drove into the box and delivered a cross to the far post, but Piero Hincapie failed to hit the target. David Raya […]

Atletico Madrid have had a positive start to the week, as they prepare for their Champions League semi-final with Arsenal this Wednesday. The first leg will be held at the Metropolitano at 21:00 CEST, and Los Colchoneros are likely to have three of their starters available. After the Copa del Rey final, Atletico Madrid have […] The post Atletico Madrid to get three key players back for Arsenal Champions League semi-final appeared first on Football España.