The stage was set for a thrilling showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid faced Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on April 16, 2025. The match kicked off with the Gunners holding a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg, leaving the home side with a monumental task ahead.
As the players took to the pitch, the atmosphere was electric, with fans filling the stands, hoping for a miracle from their team. Real Madrid, with their storied history in European competitions, was determined to overcome the odds. However, they faced internal challenges, including a recent altercation between Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rüdiger during training, which highlighted the tensions within the squad.
Despite these issues, head coach Carlo Ancelotti was optimistic, stating, “You have to play a complete match,” emphasizing the need for focus and determination from his players. The starting lineup featured stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., both crucial to Madrid's hopes of a comeback.
On the other side, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was equally confident. The Gunners arrived in Madrid with a solid game plan, having trained at the Valdeluz de los Agustinos school earlier that day. The squad was in high spirits, ready to defend their lead against a historically resilient opponent.
The first half saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm. Real Madrid managed just four shots, generating a meager 0.08 expected goals (xG), while Arsenal had a more productive outing with three shots and 0.87 xG, including a penalty taken by Bukayo Saka. However, Saka's attempt was thwarted by the incredible reflexes of Thibaut Courtois, who has saved eight out of 39 penalties faced during his tenure at Madrid.
As the half progressed, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Thomas showcased their midfield prowess, completing every pass they attempted. Rice, who had been pivotal in the first leg with two stunning free-kicks, continued to assert his influence on the game.
In a dramatic turn of events, a penalty awarded to Real Madrid for a foul by Rice on Mbappé was overturned after a VAR review, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The referee, François Letexier, deemed the contact insufficient for a penalty, leading to a yellow card for Rice, which was later rescinded.
As the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. The Bernabéu crowd was restless, urging their team forward. Vinícius Jr. claimed a penalty after a challenge from Thomas, but the referee waved play on, further fueling the home side's frustration.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams looking to regroup and strategize for the second half. Ancelotti's side needed to find a way to break through Arsenal's organized defense, while Arteta's men aimed to maintain their composure and capitalize on any mistakes.
As the second half began, Madrid ramped up their attacking efforts. Vinícius, in particular, was a constant threat on the left flank, but Arsenal's defense, led by William Saliba, stood firm. The Gunners' goalkeeper, David Raya, was also called into action, receiving a yellow card for time-wasting as he tried to manage the game’s tempo.
In a moment of brilliance, Courtois made another crucial save, denying Saka's second penalty attempt of the match, which had been awarded after a foul by Asencio. The Belgian goalkeeper's heroics kept Madrid's hopes alive, as he showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
Despite their efforts, Real Madrid struggled to convert their chances into goals. They found themselves increasingly frustrated as the match wore on. A disallowed goal from Mbappé for offside only added to the tension, as the home crowd began to sense that time was running out.
With seven minutes of added time announced, the urgency intensified. Madrid pushed forward relentlessly, but Arsenal's defense held strong, clearing several dangerous crosses and shots. Kiwior's crucial clearance off the line from a Rodrygo corner was a defining moment, showcasing the Gunners' resilience.
As the final whistle blew, the score remained 0-0, sealing Arsenal's progression to the semi-finals with a 3-0 aggregate victory. The result marked another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two clubs, with Arsenal maintaining their undefeated record against Madrid in European competitions.
After the match, Ancelotti expressed disappointment but acknowledged the effort from his players, stating, “We fought until the end, but it wasn’t our night.” Meanwhile, Arteta praised his team for their composure and tactical discipline throughout the match.
The win sends Arsenal into the semi-finals, where they will face PSG, while Real Madrid must regroup and reflect on what went wrong in this tie. With the Champions League dream over for another season, questions will arise about the future of Ancelotti and the direction of the club moving forward.
The match not only highlighted the prowess of both teams but also the unpredictability of knockout football, where anything can happen on a given night. As the dust settles on this encounter, fans will be left wondering what the future holds for both clubs in their quest for European glory.
