Arsenal delivered a compelling performance in Madrid, securing a 2-1 victory against Real Madrid and advancing to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed the triumph, effectively responding to a brief Real Madrid equalizer.
For Real Madrid, a disallowed goal and an injury sidelined key forward Kylian Mbappé, further hindering their efforts. This significant achievement propels Arsenal closer to the possibility of clinching their maiden Champions League title, with Paris Saint-Germain now awaiting them in the semifinal stage.
Arsenal’s decisive victory in Madrid
Arsenal achieved a noteworthy away win against Real Madrid in Spain, culminating in a 2-1 scoreline. This result translated to a decisive 5-1 aggregate victory for Arsenal across the two-legged quarterfinal tie, thereby guaranteeing their progression to the Champions League semifinals.
This milestone marks Arsenal’s first appearance in the competition’s final four since 2009. Their next challenge will be against Paris Saint-Germain.
The match was contested at Real Madrid’s home ground, the Santiago Bernabeu. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the second half, atoning for an earlier penalty miss with a composed finish. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior briefly leveled the score. However, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli ultimately netted the winning goal as the match drew to a close.
Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League titleholders, mounted efforts to overturn the deficit. Nevertheless, Arsenal’s resolute defense proved formidable, significantly limiting Real Madrid’s opportunities to score.
A setback for Real Madrid came early when Kylian Mbappe had a goal disallowed due to an offside infringement. He later suffered an ankle injury, forcing his premature departure from the match.
How Arsenal orchestrated the Win
The match commenced with Real Madrid adopting an aggressive offensive approach. The vociferous home supporters created an intense atmosphere, hoping to inspire a comeback. Real Madrid’s David Alaba received a yellow card for a robust tackle on Saka.
Arsenal was awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review that identified a foul by Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino inside the penalty area. However, Saka’s subsequent penalty attempt was saved by Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid was also presented with a potential penalty when Mbappé went down after a challenge from Arsenal’s Declan Rice. The referee consulted the VAR but ultimately did not award a penalty.
Arsenal then strategically focused on controlling the tempo of the game, effectively disrupting Real Madrid’s attacking momentum. The first half concluded without any goals.
In the second half, Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, introduced substitutes, bringing on young talent Endrick and Dani Ceballos. However, it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock.
Martin Odegaard delivered a pass to Saka, who skillfully scored over Courtois. Shortly thereafter, Vinicius Junior dispossessed Arsenal’s William Saliba and scored, bringing the score level at 1-1.
With Mbappe sidelined due to injury and time becoming a critical factor, Arsenal regained control of the proceedings. Merino provided an assist to Martinelli, who calmly slotted home the decisive goal. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, conveyed his satisfaction, stating that his team displayed great determination and spirit and that this victory represented a significant achievement for them.
This triumph positions Arsenal just two matches away from potentially securing their first-ever Champions League title, generating considerable excitement among the team’s supporters regarding their prospects in the remainder of the competition.
