Arsenal overcame defending champions Real Madrid with a mature and fearless performance to secure a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu and progress to the Champions League semi-finals with an emphatic 5-1 aggregate triumph.
The Gunners’ 3-0 first-leg win in London gave them breathing space, but they had to weather the pressure of Madrid’s star-studded squad and legendary comeback aura. Bukayo Saka missed a first-half penalty, denied by a poor Panenka attempt easily saved by Thibaut Courtois. The miss gave Madrid temporary belief, but Arsenal remained composed and organized.
Madrid briefly thought they had taken the lead when Kylian Mbappe chested in from close range early on, only to be flagged offside. Saka redeemed himself after the break, slotting home in the 65th minute after a slick move involving Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.
Vinicius Junior pounced on a William Saliba mistake moments later to equalize, but it was Madrid’s only real moment of threat. Arsenal defended resolutely, with David Raya largely untroubled despite Madrid’s desperation.
Any lingering hope for the Spanish giants vanished when Mbappe limped off injured, and Gabriel Martinelli added a stoppage-time goal to seal Arsenal’s first semi-final in 16 years. The Premier League side will now face Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal, who have never won the Champions League, were tactically superior, mentally composed, and physically relentless over two legs.
Madrid, by contrast, looked a shadow of the side that won both La Liga and the Champions League last season, unable to match the Gunners' intensity or organization.
For Mikel Arteta’s men, the dream is alive. They are two games away from reaching a historic final—and, perhaps, finally lifting the one trophy that has eluded them.
