In a thrilling conclusion to their Champions League quarter-final clash, Arsenal triumphed over Real Madrid, securing their place in the semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate victory. The second leg, held on April 16, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, ended 2-1 in favor of the Gunners, who showcased their resilience and tactical prowess against the Spanish giants.
The match began with high expectations from the home crowd, as Real Madrid aimed to overturn a three-goal deficit from the first leg, which they lost 0-3 at the Emirates Stadium. However, the early momentum quickly shifted when Bukayo Saka had a golden opportunity to put Arsenal ahead in the 13th minute. Saka was awarded a penalty after being fouled, but Thibaut Courtois, Madrid's goalkeeper, made a stunning save, keeping the score level.
Despite the setback, Arsenal maintained their composure and continued to press forward. Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Saka finally broke the deadlock, finishing off a brilliant assist from Mikel Merino, the European champion. Just two minutes later, Real Madrid responded through Vinicius Junior, who skillfully bypassed defender William Saliba to level the score at 1-1.
As the match progressed, Real Madrid made all five of their substitutions by the 75th minute, desperately seeking to regain control. However, Arsenal's defense held firm, and they struck again in stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory for the Gunners in the 93rd minute with a well-placed shot, sending the traveling fans into a frenzy.
With this result, Arsenal advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain, a matchup that promises to be an exciting clash of titans. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, despite their storied history in the competition, must now regroup and reflect on a disappointing exit.
The defeat marked a significant moment for Real Madrid, who failed to register a single shot on target in the first half, a statistic that highlights their struggles throughout the match. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment, stating, "We started strong but couldn't capitalize on our chances. The missed penalty was a turning point for us. We need to learn from this experience and come back stronger next season."
On the other hand, Arsenal's manager praised his team's performance, noting, "We showed great character and determination. This win is a testament to our hard work and belief in each other. We are ready for the next challenge against PSG."
The atmosphere at the Bernabéu was electric, with fans witnessing a historic moment as Arsenal secured their place in the semi-finals. The club has shown remarkable growth this season, and their journey in the Champions League continues to inspire hope among their supporters.
In other Champions League news, Inter Milan also advanced to the semi-finals after a dramatic encounter with Bayern Munich. The two teams played to a 2-2 draw in their second leg, but Inter progressed on a 4-3 aggregate scoreline. Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard scored for Inter, while Harry Kane and Eric Dier found the net for Bayern. Inter's next challenge will be against Barcelona, setting the stage for another thrilling semi-final matchup.
As the Champions League progresses, fans can expect more exciting matches as the best teams in Europe vie for the coveted trophy. With Arsenal and Inter Milan moving forward, the competition is heating up, and the stakes have never been higher.
