Mikel Arteta’s side took a 3-0 lead into the second leg in the Spanish capital after a sublime showing at home last week, and knew anything bar a total collapse would be enough to take them through to the last four. It appeared they had made the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), only for Bukayo Saka’s chipped effort from the spot to be saved by Thibaut Courtois.
The visitors were then grateful again for VAR’s intervention after Declan Rice was deemed to have fouled Kylian Mbappe, only for the referee to overturn his decision after consulting the screen. Real Madrid created reasonably few chances thereafter in a lacklustre showing, allowing Saka to atone with a cute finish in the second half to make Arsenal’s position even more secure. Though Vinicius Jr replied rapidly, there was not to be any of Real Madrid’s usual conjuring in this competition as Arsenal held firm for a famous European success, with Gabriel Martinelli adding gloss and securing a victory on the night in stoppage time.
How Arsenal rose above Real Madrid’s dark arts to answer key Champions League question
As the game at the Bernabeu got into gear, and Real Madrid so struggled to open Arsenal in play, they tried to get at them in a different way. They tried to get into their heads, by getting right in their faces. It was a clear tactic, with Bukayo Saka especially targeted. David Alaba went in on him after four minutes. Jude Bellingham had words for Saka before his missed penalty. Dani Carvajal then tried to goad him after it.
Saka simply rose above it by lifting the ball over Thibaut Courtois for the key goal. That happened, however, because Arsenal stood their ground - and then stood up.
It was perhaps the greatest significance of this tie, beyond Arsenal’s comprehensive victory over two legs. Few would now question their fortitude. No one should be talking about them as a fragile team, or one lacking experience. They are going to be a hard and strong test for anyone.
How Arsenal rose above Real Madrid’s dark arts to answer key question
Real Madrid picked the wrong team to try and start a fight with. Arsenal were strong, resilient, and are going to be a test for anyone in the Champions League
Miguel Delaney17 April 2025 09:05
Mikel Arteta reveals phone call with Pep Guardiola before beating Real Madrid
Mikel Arteta revealed he called Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before leading Arsenal to victory against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Arteta spent four years working as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad and he said he phoned his mentor before the biggest achievement of his coaching career on Wednesday night.
There have been tensions between Arsenal and Manchester City in recent seasons while both teams have challenged for the Premier League title, but Arteta said he wanted to show his appreciation.
Mikel Arteta reveals phone call with Pep Guardiola before beating Real Madrid
Arteta said he would not have been leading the Gunners at the Bernabeu were it not for Guardiola
Jamie Braidwood17 April 2025 08:06
Bukayo Saka confronted by Real Madrid star near tunnel in heated moment
Bukayo Saka was confronted by Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal as he made his way down the tunnel at half-time of Arsenal’s victory at the Bernabeu.
However, a heated moment came at the half-time break as the players went down the tunnel. Saka was approached by Carvajal, who grabbed the winger and said a word in his ear.
Carvajal, who is currently injured, then pulled Saka back towards him after he turns to walk away. Saka reacted angrily before Carvajal grabbed him by the neck and attempted to follow him.
Bukayo Saka confronted by Real Madrid star near tunnel in heated moment
Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal grabbed Saka by the back of the neck as he tried to walk down the tunnel
Jamie Braidwood17 April 2025 07:44
Declan Rice makes Champions League vow after Arsenal’s ‘special night’
Declan Rice has said Arsenal are intent on winning the Champions League after a “special night” against Real Madrid.
Rice produced a masterful midfield performance to help Mikel Arteta’s side conquer the Bernabeu and win both halves of the tie to dump out the defending champions.
Arsenal booked their spot in a semi-final meeting with Paris Saint-Germain thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, which added to the 3-0 advantage secured at home last week.
Declan Rice makes Champions League vow after Arsenal’s ‘special night’
Rice produced a supreme performance in midfield as Arsenal beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu
Harry Latham-Coyle16 April 2025 23:05
Arsenal vs Real Madrid player ratings: Declan Rice shines again as Saka and Martinelli score at Bernabeu
Arsenal coasted through a 2-1 win to Real Madrid, ending with an aggregate 5-1 victory over two legs in their Champions League quarter-final.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men couldn't to overturn a 3-0 deficit in front of their home fans and tonight belonged to Mikel Arteta’s side as they shocked Madrid, especially with their recent history of overturning losing causes to progress in the Champions League.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid player ratings: Rice shines again as Saka and Martinelli score
Real Madrid 2-1 Arsenal (1-5 agg): The Gunners stormed into the semi-finals of Europe’s top competition
Mike Jones16 April 2025 22:57
'These Arsenal players are ready for the big time now'
Theo Walcott speaking on MOTD: UEFA Champions League: “Arsenal’s confidence was there before this win - it was there from the 3-0 win in the first leg. Now, though, after beating Real again at the Bernabeu with this performance, I think everyone will take notice, right across Europe.”
On the impact of having Saka on the team, he said: “Look at Bukayo Saka, to miss a penalty in the manner he did but then to still put in a performance like that. He never shied away from the ball and carried on doing his job, but then to get Arsenal’s first goal the way that he did, showed just where he is mentally.
“The same goes for the whole side. Mentally, these Arsenal players are ready for the big time now.”
Charlotte-Marie Ford16 April 2025 22:51
Arteta praises Rice
Mikel Arteta spoke highly of Rice’s efforts tonight, toTNT Sports :
"Tonight he was immense. He turned the game around in moments when the game was 50-50. He made a difference in the tie."
Charlotte-Marie Ford16 April 2025 22:44
Arteta says his team are determined to achieve something big
Mikel Arteta speaking to TNT Sports:
“It's one of the best nights of my career. A really special one. We played against a team that have been an inspiration for us in this competition. To win the tie in this manner, we have to be very proud of ourselves."
"It was my first time on that touchline and quickly you realise anything can happen in this stadium. You have to be here to realise that. I got that feeling straightaway. If something goes wrong, they score a goal then it would be game-on. But fortunately things went for us but overall we did what we had to do.
"I have that feeling. It is just the third time in our history we have got this far so we need to build on that. We are hungry. We are a young team that are determined. All these experiences, including myself, will help us to try and achieve something big.
Charlotte-Marie Ford16 April 2025 22:39
Lewis-Skelly on Bernabeu atmosphere
Myles Lewis-Skelly spoke to TNT Sports after the game and was asked about playing at the Bernabeu for the first time.
He said: “It was incredible, when you see it on tv it is a lot different to when you come live so when I first walked out it was a lot. You’ve just got to take in the moment and have fun.
“The fans, they don’t make it easy for us but as a team we knew it was going to be like this when we came. As long as we stuck together and kept backing each other through the highs and lows we knew we’d be fine.”
Mike Jones16 April 2025 22:29
Pinned
Arsenal resist Real Madrid’s magic to script new Champions League story
Arsenal indeed “write their own history”, with the extra flourish that the only remontada was Bukayo Saka’s.
The forward overcame his early penalty miss to score the divine goal that has ultimately eliminated the European champions, with Gabriel Martinelli then killing any dying belief that Real Madrid had to turn a great night into a great win.
There was even the literal lovely touch of how Saka’s penalty was a lifted Panenka gone wrong, only for the forward to lift it over Thibaut Courtois in even better fashion.
Arsenal resist Real Madrid’s magic to script new Champions League story
Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (1-5 agg.): Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli took Mikel Arteta’s side to another famous victory as they booked their spot in the semi-finals
Mike Jones16 April 2025 22:21
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