Arsenal have emphatically secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, following a brilliant 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernab�u on Wednesday night. Mikel Arteta’s side progressed with a commanding 5-1 aggregate scoreline, building on their dominant first-leg performance in North London.
Having established a comfortable three-goal lead from the first leg, Arsenal travelled to the home of the 15-time European champions knowing a composed start was crucial. The Gunners began with a resolute defensive approach, weathering some early pressure from Real Madrid.
Arteta’s team were presented with a golden opportunity to extend their aggregate advantage when VAR intervened, penalising Raul Asencio for a foul on Mikel Merino in the penalty area. However, Bukayo Saka’s attempted dinked penalty was expertly saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The hosts thought they had a chance to respond from the spot shortly after, but a soft challenge by Declan Rice on Kylian Mbappe was overturned after a lengthy video review.
Real Madrid continued to probe for a breakthrough as the first half wore on, but despite their possession, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya remained largely untroubled as the Gunners’ disciplined defense held firm, maintaining their three-goal aggregate cushion heading into the interval.
Facing elimination, Real Madrid upped the intensity at the start of the second half, with Mbapp� heading over from close range and Vinicius Junior seeing a curled effort comfortably saved by Raya. However, against the run of play, it was Arsenal who delivered a decisive blow in the 65th minute. A flowing team move saw Merino release Saka through on goal, and the winger made amends for his earlier penalty miss, lifting a delicate finish over Courtois to effectively end the tie.
Showing their renowned fighting spirit, Real Madrid restored parity on the night just two minutes later. Vinicius Junior capitalized on a defensive lapse from William Saliba to slot the ball into an empty net.
However, this proved to be a mere consolation for the home side. Arsenal controlled the closing stages of the match and added a deserved winner deep into stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli broke away with pace and calmly slotted the ball past Courtois, sealing a memorable victory.
The result marks Arsenal’s 19th progression in 21 UEFA ties after winning the home first leg. For Real Madrid, the defeat is a significant blow, and they will be looking for a positive reaction against Athletic Club on Sunday as they aim to close the four-point gap to Barcelona at the top of LaLiga. Arsenal now advance to the Champions League semi-finals, their first appearance at this stage of the competition in 16 years.
