Madrid, SPAIN – Arsenal secured a spot in the Champions League semifinals after a dominant 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday, completing a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate win. The holders, Real Madrid, were unable to mount a comeback after trailing 3-0 from the first leg of the quarterfinals, ultimately exiting the competition in a lackluster display. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were instrumental in sealing the victory for the English club, setting up a clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals.
The match began with intense anticipation from the home fans, hopeful of witnessing a miraculous comeback. However, Arsenal quickly took control of the game, with Saka missing a penalty early on but redeeming himself with a goal in the 65th minute. Real Madrid attempted to rally when Vinícius Júnior scored shortly after, but it was not enough to turn the tide in their favor. Arsenal’s solid defense and strategic play stifled Real Madrid’s attack, limiting their opportunities throughout the match.
The victory marked a historic moment for Arsenal, with midfielder Declan Rice expressing pride in the team’s performance and confidence going into the semifinals. Despite the initial setback of Saka’s missed penalty and a brief scare with a VAR review, Arsenal remained composed and focused on maintaining their lead. The team’s resilience and determination were evident as they controlled the game and secured their place in the next stage of the competition.
Real Madrid’s star striker, Kylian Mbappé, was largely contained by Arsenal’s defense, failing to make a significant impact on the match. In contrast, Arsenal’s attackers, Saka and Martinelli, showcased their clinical finishing and composure under pressure, ultimately sealing the victory for their team. The atmosphere at the Bernabeu Stadium shifted from hopeful to subdued as Arsenal’s dominance became increasingly apparent throughout the match.
In the closing moments of the game, Martinelli put the final nail in the coffin with a goal in added time, solidifying Arsenal’s victory and sending their fans into jubilation. The result not only highlighted Arsenal’s strength and determination but also underscored Real Madrid’s struggles to mount a comeback against a formidable opponent. As Arsenal looks ahead to the semifinals, they will carry the momentum of this victory and the belief that they can continue their impressive run in the Champions League.