Arsenal has secured a spot in the Champions League semi-finals after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025, completing a commanding 5-1 aggregate win. The Gunners, led by manager Mikel Arteta, entered the second leg with a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first match, and they showcased their resilience and tactical prowess to hold off the 15-time European champions.
The match began with an intense atmosphere as Real Madrid, determined to overturn the deficit, dominated possession early on. With nearly 68% of the ball in the first half, the hosts created several opportunities but failed to register a single shot on target. Arsenal's defense, anchored by William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, held firm against the Madrid attack, which featured the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
In a dramatic moment, Arsenal was awarded a penalty when Bukayo Saka was fouled in the box. However, Saka's chipped effort was saved by Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, keeping the score at 0-0. The missed penalty was a brief setback for Arsenal, who continued to press forward.
Declan Rice, Arsenal's midfield dynamo, was pivotal throughout the match. Initially, he was deemed to have fouled Mbappe, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, much to the relief of the visiting fans. The first half ended with Arsenal holding their ground, and they entered the break with a 0-0 scoreline.
As the second half unfolded, Arsenal's efforts finally paid off. In the 65th minute, Saka redeemed himself by scoring a well-placed shot that found the back of the net, extending Arsenal's aggregate lead to 4-0. The goal seemed to seal Real Madrid's fate, but the home side responded almost immediately. Vinicius Junior capitalized on a defensive error and scored just two minutes later, igniting hopes of a potential comeback for the Spanish giants.
Despite the setback, Arsenal maintained their composure and continued to defend resolutely. In stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli added a second goal for Arsenal, capping off the night with a clinical finish that emphasized the Gunners' dominance over the two legs. The final whistle blew, confirming a 2-1 victory for Arsenal and a 5-1 aggregate triumph.
Following the match, Mikel Arteta expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We showed character and resilience against a formidable opponent. The players executed the game plan perfectly, and we are thrilled to reach the semi-finals. It’s been a long time since Arsenal has been in this position, and we aim to make the most of it."
On the other side, Real Madrid's manager Carlo Ancelotti lamented his team's inability to capitalize on their possession, saying, "We had control of the game but lacked the cutting edge. Arsenal defended well and took their chances. We must regroup and focus on our next challenges."
Arsenal's victory marks their first appearance in the Champions League semi-finals since 2009, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners have shown remarkable growth under Arteta, and this win against a historic club like Real Madrid is a testament to their progress and ambition.
As the football world turns its attention to the semi-finals, Arsenal will look to build on this momentum and challenge for European glory. Fans are excited, and the team has proven that they can compete at the highest level, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating clash against PSG.
In other Champions League news, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich were locked in a goalless stalemate at halftime in their semi-final, with Inter currently leading 2-1 on aggregate. The outcome of that match will determine who joins Arsenal and PSG in the final four.
