Arsenal Outclass Real Madrid To Secure Champions League Semi-Final Spot

‎Arsenal has secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.

‎A spectacular 2-1 victory over the storied Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium means that Mikel Arteta’s men progressed with an emphatic aggregate scoreline of 5-1.

‎Solid Start with Purpose

‎Leading with a commanding three-goal advantage from the first leg, where Declan Rice delivered a man-of-the-match performance, Arsenal entered Bernabéu with a clear game plan.

‎They understood the importance of maintaining their lead and knew that a solid start would be essential against a hungry Real Madrid side, desperate to overturn the deficit.

‎From the opening whistle, Arsenal displayed a staunch mindset, absorbing early pressure from the home team. While Real Madrid sought to impose their dominance with their attacking prowess, Arsenal’s defense stood resolute.

‎VAR Drama

‎Arsenal were given an incredible opportunity to increase their aggregate lead when VAR intervened to penalize Real Madrid’s Raúl Asencio for a foul in the box against Mikel Merino. Up stepped Bukayo Saka, but his dinked penalty was heroically saved by Thibaut Courtois.

‎Real Madrid seemed to have regained composure, only to be denied a potential penalty of their own shortly afterward. A challenge by Declan Rice on Kylian Mbappé was initially deemed a foul, but after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned.

‎This decision kept Arsenal’s three-goal aggregate cushion intact as they headed into the halftime break.

‎Real Madrid’s Response Falters

‎With their backs against the wall and 45 minutes left to save their Champions League campaign, Real Madrid came out for the second half with renewed vigor.

‎Early chances saw Mbappé head over from close range, while Vinícius Júnior’s curled effort was expertly saved by Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya. Despite the hosts’ improved performance, Arsenal continued to hold their ground, frustrating Real Madrid’s attempts to break through.

‎However, it was Arsenal who struck the decisive blow in the 65th minute. A nicely orchestrated team move leading up to Merino releasing Saka, who semi-redeemed himself after his earlier penalty miss by expertly lifting the ball over Courtois and into the net.

‎This goal was vital, putting Arsenal firmly in control of the tie, now leading 4-0 on aggregate.

‎Fightback Briefly in Vain

‎Real Madrid quickly responded, pulling one back just two minutes later. Vinícius Júnior capitalized on a lapse in defense from William Saliba, slotting the ball into an empty net to bring the score to 1-1 on the night.

‎However, it was clear this goal only served as a consolation. Arsenal remained composed and focused, knowing they were still in a commanding position.

‎As the game reached the dying minutes, Arsenal found their rhythm again, easing through the closing stages while maintaining control of the match.

‎The Gunners’ resilience paid off deep into stoppage time when Gabriel Martinelli broke away from the Real Madrid defense, calmly finishing to add a second goal for Arsenal on the night.

‎Historic Milestone

‎With the final whistle, the 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu secured a passage to the semi-finals and also marked Arsenal’s impressive achievement of progressing for the 19th time in 21 UEFA ties after winning a home first leg.