Arsenal made a stunning return to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, as they cruised past Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, sealing a 5-1 aggregate win. Mikel Arteta’s men showed poise, resilience, and brilliance to secure their place among Europe’s elite clubs, setting up what promises to be an exciting final four.
A Solid Start for Arsenal
With a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal knew they had a strong advantage going into the second leg in Madrid. However, a solid start was crucial to maintaining that lead, and Arteta’s men came out with the right mentality. Despite some early pressure from the home side, who were desperate to mount a comeback, Arsenal stood firm, weathering the storm and setting the tone for what would be a thrilling match.
The Gunners’ defense, led by William Saliba and Gabriel, remained resolute, limiting Real Madrid’s attacking chances in the opening moments. David Raya, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, was barely troubled in the first half, as the home side’s attacks lacked the cutting edge needed to break down the Gunners’ well-organized defense.
A Missed Opportunity for Saka
Arsenal were given a golden opportunity to extend their aggregate lead early on, as VAR awarded them a penalty after a foul by Raul Asencio on Mikel Merino inside the box. Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s standout players, stepped up to take the penalty. However, his delicate dinked effort was well saved by Thibaut Courtois, who clawed the ball away and kept Real Madrid in the game.
Saka’s miss didn’t deter the visitors, but it did give Real Madrid a glimmer of hope. Just minutes after, Real Madrid thought they had a chance of their own from the penalty spot when Declan Rice was judged to have fouled Kylian Mbappé. However, after a lengthy review, the decision was overturned, and Arsenal breathed a sigh of relief.
Arsenal Strike Back with a Clinical Finish
Despite the early setbacks, Arsenal continued to show their strength and composure. As the first half went on, Real Madrid controlled possession but couldn’t find a way through Arsenal’s defense. Vinicius Junior had a curling shot saved by Raya, and Mbappé missed a golden chance, heading wide from eight yards. Arsenal’s defense stood tall, maintaining their three-goal aggregate advantage as the teams went into halftime.
The second half began with Real Madrid pushing harder in search of a breakthrough, knowing they needed at least two goals to force extra time. However, it was Arteta’s side.who struck the first blow in the 65th minute. A superb team move started with Merino, who released Saka through on goal. This time, Saka made no mistake, lifting the ball delicately over Courtois to score and put Arsenal 4-1 ahead on aggregate.
Saka or Kane ⚽
Who scored the best goal?@Heineken | #UCLGOTD pic.twitter.com/WecAp0ScIa
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 16, 2025
Real Madrid’s Brief Fightback
Real Madrid were not going to give up easily. Just two minutes after Saka’s goal, Vinicius Junior capitalized on some sloppy defending from Saliba, pouncing on the loose ball to score and bring the score to 1-1 on the night. It was a moment of disappointment for Arsenal, who had been cruising but were now reminded that Real Madrid’s attacking prowess could never be underestimated.
However, the goal was little more than a consolation for the Spanish giants. Arsenal regained control and, despite some nervous moments, held firm in the final stages. With Real Madrid unable to break down Arsenal’s defense, the Gunners sealed the win in dramatic fashion in stoppage time.
Martinelli Seals the Deal
As the match wound down, Gabriel Martinelli sealed the Gunners passage to the semi-finals with a breakaway goal in the dying seconds. The Brazilian winger sprinted clear of the Real Madrid defense and finished coolly past Courtois to make it 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate. Martinelli’s goal was the cherry on top of an impressive Arsenal performance, confirming their place in the semi-finals and sending their supporters into raptures.
Arsenal’s Impressive Champions League Journey
This victory is a historic one for the Gunners, who have now reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 14 years. The win over Real Madrid is a testament to the progress that Mikel Arteta has made with the team, as Arsenal continue their journey to secure a major European title. The victory also marks a remarkable achievement for Arteta, who has instilled a sense of belief and resilience in his young squad.
Key Stats from Arsenal’s Victory:
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Bukayo Saka scored the opening goal after a missed penalty.
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Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win with a last-minute goal in stoppage time.
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David Raya was rarely tested but played a solid role in keeping Real Madrid at bay.
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Arsenal’s defense held firm, with standout performances from Saliba and Kiwior
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal now await their semi-final opponents, with some of Europe’s top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Barcelona, also expected to progress. The Gunners will be hopeful of continuing their strong form in the competition as they aim to make history with a first-ever Champions League title.
The victory over Real Madrid is a massive confidence boost for the Gunners as they move into the final stages of Europe’s most prestigious competition. The team’s victory at the Bernabeu will be remembered as one of their greatest European triumphs, and it sets up a mouth-watering semi-final clash for Arteta’s side.
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