Arsenal Outclass Real Madrid to Reach Champions League Semi-Finals

Arsenal delivered a confident and composed performance to eliminate reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid, sealing a 2-1 win on the night and a dominant 5-1 victory on aggregate. The triumph sends the Gunners to their first semi-final in 15 years, where they’ll face Paris Saint-Germain.

Coming into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu with a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg, Arsenal knew Madrid’s reputation for dramatic comebacks. But this time, history was on pause. Mikel Arteta’s side remained disciplined, resilient, and ready.

Bukayo Saka, who had a frustrating first half—including a saved Panenka-style penalty—redeemed himself in style. He finished a slick move in the 65th minute with a delicate chip to put Arsenal in front. Although Vinícius Jr. quickly capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize, the hosts never looked like overturning the overall scoreline.

Real Madrid, champions a record 15 times, were a shadow of their former selves. They lacked urgency and ideas against an Arsenal side that executed their game plan to near-perfection. Kylian Mbappé, largely ineffective on the night, hobbled off with an ankle injury late on—snuffing out any remaining spark in Madrid's attack.

Gabriel Martinelli added a final blow in stoppage time, slotting home Arsenal’s second goal after good work from Mikel Merino. It was a moment of composure that symbolized the visitors’ night—calm under pressure and clinical when it counted.

Declan Rice, who starred in the first leg with two stunning free-kicks, summed it up: “We knew it would be tough, but we believed. This is a historic night for Arsenal. We’re not just here to compete—we want to win this competition.”

Martin Ødegaard, returning to the club that once branded him a future star, played a crucial role in the breakthrough goal. His link-up with Merino helped unlock Madrid’s defense and showed how far he’s come since his teenage days in Spain.

VAR drama added to the tension. Saka’s missed penalty followed a soft call against Raul Asencio for tugging Merino. Moments later, Mbappé earned a penalty shout at the other end, only for VAR to reverse the decision after Rice appeared to cleanly win the ball. The sequence frustrated the Madrid crowd, who grew increasingly restless.

Despite their efforts, Real Madrid barely tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the first half. By the time they began to build momentum, it was too late. The Gunners controlled the pace, broke up play with tactical fouls, and refused to be rattled by Madrid’s late pressure.

Arsenal now stand two games away from a first-ever Champions League final. With belief growing and momentum on their side, this might finally be the season the Gunners break their European curse.