On April 16, 2025, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid was alive with anticipation as Real Madrid faced Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash. Following a shocking 3-0 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, where Declan Rice scored two stunning free-kicks and Mikel Merino added another, Real Madrid was determined to stage a comeback, hoping for a "La Remontada" moment.
As the match kicked off at 9 p.m. local time, the atmosphere was electric, with fans hoping to witness a historic turnaround. Carlo Ancelotti’s side came into the match with a recent 1-0 victory over Alaves in La Liga, although they were without Eduardo Camavinga due to suspension. Despite the odds, the players and fans alike were brimming with belief.
However, the match began with a twist of fate. In the 11th minute, Arsenal was awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Raul Asensio on Mikel Merino. Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the penalty, aiming to give Arsenal an early lead. But in a shocking turn of events, his panenka attempt was saved by Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, keeping the score at 0-0. The Bernabeu erupted in relief, and Saka faced immediate criticism for his choice of penalty.
"What was Saka thinking?" one frustrated fan exclaimed, while former Arsenal defender Matt Upson remarked on BBC Radio Five Live, "I just can't believe the selection of penalty here from Bukayo Saka. I am so surprised. It's such a bad penalty." The missed opportunity loomed large as Arsenal looked to maintain their aggregate lead.
Just moments later, Real Madrid found themselves with a penalty of their own. In the 23rd minute, Kylian Mbappe was brought down by Declan Rice in the area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. However, after a lengthy VAR review of about five minutes, the decision was overturned due to offside, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The referee not only rescinded the penalty but also lifted Rice's yellow card, which had been shown during the process.
Despite the missed penalties, both teams continued to press forward, looking for that crucial opening goal. Arsenal's Jurrien Timber came close with a volley that sailed over the bar in the 35th minute, while Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. tried to create chances but were met with resilient Arsenal defending.
As the first half drew to a close, the score remained 0-0, leaving Real Madrid with a monumental task ahead. They needed to score at least three goals to overturn the deficit. The tension was palpable, and the stakes couldn't have been higher for both teams.
The second half resumed with Arsenal looking to consolidate their lead, while Real Madrid desperately sought a breakthrough. The home side's attacking trio of Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Bellingham pressed forward, determined to find the back of the net. However, Arsenal's defense, led by Saliba and Kiwior, held firm under pressure.
As the match wore on, the intensity increased, with both sides exchanging chances. David Alaba, who had received an early yellow card, was forced to navigate the remainder of the match carefully, while Arsenal's Thomas Partey, who had traveled with the squad despite a knock, provided crucial support in midfield.
With the clock ticking down, Real Madrid continued to push for a goal, but Arsenal remained resolute. The Gunners were keen to hold onto their aggregate lead and secure a place in the semifinals for the first time since 2009. As the minutes slipped away, it became clear that Real Madrid would need a miracle to turn the tie around.
In the dying moments of the match, a flurry of attacks from Real Madrid culminated in a series of corners, but Courtois remained alert, ensuring that Arsenal's goal was well protected. As the final whistle approached, the tension reached its peak, with both sets of fans on the edge of their seats.
Ultimately, the match concluded with a score of 0-0 on the night, solidifying Arsenal's advancement to the semifinals with a 3-0 aggregate victory. The disappointment was palpable for Real Madrid, who had hoped for a miraculous comeback but fell short against a determined Arsenal side. As players and fans reflected on the match, it was clear that while Real Madrid's dreams of European glory were dashed for now, the spirit of competition remained alive.
In the aftermath, Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta praised his team's resilience and tactical discipline. "We knew it was going to be tough here, but we held our nerve and executed our game plan perfectly," he stated. Meanwhile, Ancelotti emphasized the need for his team to learn from the experience and come back stronger next season.
As Arsenal celebrated their achievement, the football world turned its eyes to the semifinals, where new challenges await. The journey continues, but for now, the Gunners can bask in the glory of a hard-fought victory against one of Europe’s giants.
