In a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Arsenal secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, culminating in a 5-1 aggregate triumph. The Gunners, who had come into the match with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, faced a spirited challenge from the reigning champions but ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli.
The match, held on April 16, 2025, saw Arsenal's Bukayo Saka miss an early penalty that could have extended their aggregate lead to four goals. However, Saka redeemed himself with a stunning finish in the 65th minute, putting the Gunners ahead on the night. Just two minutes later, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior capitalized on a mistake from Arsenal defender William Saliba to equalize, momentarily reigniting hopes of a comeback for the home side.
As the match wore on, the tension mounted, but it was Martinelli who would steal the spotlight. In stoppage time, the Brazilian winger raced through on goal, finishing confidently to seal Arsenal's progression to the last four, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta expressed pride in his team's performance, noting their resilience and determination. "We know the challenge and the opportunity ahead. We had a belief and confidence that we’d win the game," Arteta said post-match. His side's victory marks their first semi-final appearance in the Champions League since 2009, a significant achievement for a club that has been striving to reclaim its status among Europe's elite.
The match began with an electric atmosphere, as both teams showcased their attacking prowess early on. Arsenal was awarded a penalty in the 13th minute when referee Francois Letexier reviewed a foul on Mikel Merino by David Alaba. Saka, however, saw his Panenka attempt saved by Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remained composed and continued to press for a breakthrough. Their persistence paid off when Saka finally found the back of the net with a delicate chip over Courtois after a brilliant team move involving Martin Odegaard and Merino. The goal sent the traveling Arsenal fans into ecstasy, as it extended their aggregate lead to 4-0.
But Real Madrid responded almost immediately, with Vinicius Junior taking advantage of a lapse in concentration from Saliba to score and pull one back for the hosts. The Brazilian's goal, his eighth in the Champions League this season, provided a glimmer of hope for Madrid, who needed at least three more goals to force extra time.
As the game progressed, Arsenal's defense held firm against the onslaught from the home side. David Raya, Arsenal's goalkeeper, was booked for time-wasting in the first half, a sign of the pressure they were under. Yet, the Gunners managed to keep Real Madrid at bay, thwarting their attempts to mount a comeback.
In the closing moments of the match, with the score still at 1-1, Martinelli's late goal put the icing on the cake for Arsenal. The Brazilian's composed finish not only secured the win on the night but also confirmed their dominance in the tie, as they progressed with an aggregate score of 5-1.
With this victory, Arsenal became the first English team to win twice at the Bernabeu, a remarkable feat that underscores their resurgence on the European stage. The Gunners are now set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, a matchup that promises to be an exciting clash of two footballing powerhouses.
Reflecting on the achievement, Arsenal's Declan Rice stated, "It's a historic night for this club. We have an objective in this competition – we want to play the best teams and win this competition. We did it in real life, and it’s massive for us." Rice's sentiments capture the essence of Arsenal's ambitions as they look to go deeper into the tournament.
As the dust settles on this memorable night in Madrid, Arsenal fans will be eagerly anticipating their next challenge. With their confidence soaring and a talented squad at their disposal, the Gunners are poised to make a serious run at the Champions League title this season.
In conclusion, Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid not only signifies a step forward for the club but also serves as a reminder of their potential to compete at the highest level in European football. The upcoming semi-final against PSG is sure to be a defining moment in their campaign, as they aim for glory on the continental stage.
