In a stunning display of skill and determination, Arsenal humbled reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid for the second time in just a week, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners secured a 2-1 win in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 16, 2025, thanks to impressive strikes from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Entering the match with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, Arsenal aimed to protect their advantage against a Real Madrid side known for their history of remarkable comebacks. Despite the pressure of playing in one of the most iconic stadiums in football, Mikel Arteta’s squad showcased their maturity and tactical prowess, proving they were more than a match for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Arteta expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, "It’s certainly another massive step. Where we finished last year and the way we’ve done it this year against the team with the highest honours in the competition, it’s incredible. But I want to credit them as well. It was my first time as a coach in that dugout, and today I realised after three minutes that in this stadium, anything is possible." His comments reflect the gravity of the occasion, as Arsenal advances to the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
On the night, Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for Arsenal, breaking the deadlock in the second half after a missed penalty earlier in the match. "It can happen. I tried something, but it didn’t work. I was confident I was going to score tonight," Saka remarked, focusing on the win rather than the penalty miss. His goal, however, was quickly met with an equalizer from Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who capitalized on an error from William Saliba.
As the match progressed, Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory for Arsenal with a goal in stoppage time. The Brazilian forward, who was rated 8/10 for his performance, expressed his delight after the match, saying, "We are buzzing, we are buzzing, really good to win this type of game against Madrid here at the Bernabéu. We’re really happy; in my opinion, we deserved the results at the Emirates and here as well. This team, this family, deserved it; it’s something that’s going to be in our hearts forever."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid captain Lucas Vazquez acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, stating, "That was a difficult match. We didn’t create the goal chances we wanted. Maybe we lacked a little bit of clarity when we were on the ball, possibly we could have been more patient in moving possession from side to side and stretching Arsenal." Ancelotti, too, admitted Arsenal was the superior side, saying, "The truth is that Arsenal have been better than us. I’ve told the players to keep their heads high. We’ve done better than some teams this season, and in football, you have to suffer. It’s impossible to be invincible."
One standout performer for Arsenal was Declan Rice, whose commanding presence in midfield was pivotal. Arteta praised Rice’s contribution, stating, "He was decisive today in a different way, I think it was immense. His presence, the power that he showed, how composed he was, with or without the ball, I think he led the team in many moments and turned the game in our favour."
Martin Keown, a former Arsenal player, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Rice’s dominance over Jude Bellingham during the match. The midfield duo of Rice and Thomas Partey demonstrated remarkable efficiency, completing 46 out of 47 passes between them, showcasing Arsenal’s superior control of the game.
Arsenal’s attacking play was further bolstered by Mikel Merino, who, rated 7/10, won the penalty that Saka missed and assisted Martinelli’s goal. His contributions were crucial in a match that saw Arsenal not only defend well but also create opportunities against a formidable opponent.
As Arsenal celebrated their victory, the atmosphere in the Bernabéu was electric, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, one of the youngest players on the pitch at just 18 years old, describing the experience as incredible. He noted, "When you see it on TV, it’s a lot different than when you come here live. It was incredible. I just tried to take in the moment and have fun." His performance places him among a select group of players who have started knockout stage matches away at Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s next challenge will be a semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, a matchup that promises to be a thrilling encounter. Theo Walcott highlighted the significance of the upcoming tie, stating, "What a tie their semi-final will be with Paris Saint-Germain. It is such a hard tie to call because both teams are probably consistently playing at the highest level they have done in the Champions League for many years."
As the dust settles on this monumental victory, Arsenal fans can take pride in their team’s resilience and skill. The Gunners have demonstrated they can compete with the best, and as they prepare for the semi-finals, the excitement is palpable. With a blend of youth and experience, Arsenal looks poised to make a deep run in this year’s Champions League.
