Last updated on April 17, 2025
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The Gunners secured a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, with goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Image credit: Premier League
Arsenal produced one of the most commanding aggregate victories in their Champions League history, defeating Real Madrid 5-1 over two legs to storm into the semi-finals.
Wednesday night’s 2-1 win at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu capped off a near-flawless quarter-final performance that left the home side and their fans shell-shocked.
Coming into the second leg with a 3-0 advantage, Mikel Arteta’s side knew they only needed composure and control to finish the job.
And despite some early drama—including a missed penalty by Bukayo Saka—they delivered just that, with flair, resilience, and clinical finishing.
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Penalty Drama and a Redeeming Finish
Arsenal could have put the tie beyond reach within 15 minutes when they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Mikel Merino by Raúl Asencio.
But Saka, usually so reliable, attempted a cheeky Panenka that Thibaut Courtois easily read and saved.
Rather than letting the miss shake them, the Gunners regrouped.
Saka redeemed himself in the second half, breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute with a sublime chipped finish over Courtois—courtesy of another inch-perfect pass from Merino.
But any thoughts of a serene end were temporarily dashed just two minutes later.
A calamitous error by William Saliba gifted Vinícius Júnior a free shot on goal, which the Brazilian gleefully dispatched to bring Madrid back to 1-1.
Martinelli’s Late Strike Seals It
Madrid, buoyed by the Bernabéu faithful, sensed a potential “remontada” in the air—a word synonymous with their past comeback heroics in Europe.
But this Arsenal side was unbothered. They managed the game with maturity, denying Madrid meaningful opportunities and refusing to let the occasion overwhelm them.
Then came the final blow. In stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli raced through Madrid’s stretched defense to slot home Arsenal’s second of the night, again teed up by the influential Merino.
That made it 5-1 on aggregate and confirmed Arsenal’s return to the Champions League semi-finals for just the third time in their history.
No Repeat of ‘La Remontada’ for Real
Real Madrid had hoped to add another historic comeback to their extensive European résumé.
In recent years, they’ve clawed back from first-leg deficits against PSG, Manchester City, and Wolfsburg. But this time, there was no miracle.
Real Madrid have NEVER beaten Arsenal 👀❌ pic.twitter.com/eM7wW3a1iG
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) April 16, 2025
They did briefly think they’d been handed a lifeline when Kylian Mbappé appeared to draw a penalty.
However, VAR intervened and rightly overturned the call after replays showed minimal contact from Declan Rice.
The decision further deflated an already frustrated home crowd.
Arsenal’s Tactical Brilliance and Depth Shine
This victory was a statement—about Arsenal’s depth, coaching, and mental strength.
Despite being without a recognized striker, Arteta’s men put five past one of Europe’s elite.
The manager also deserves plaudits for navigating injury issues and keeping the squad cohesive under pressure.
Incredibly, the Gunners haven’t lost a match by a four-goal margin since 2021 and haven’t conceded more than two goals in a game in over 100 matches—a testament to their defensive solidity.
Declan Rice, who earned the highest player rating of the match, once again anchored the midfield with distinction, shielding the backline and initiating attacks with precision.
What’s Next?
Arsenal now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
Though they beat PSG 2-0 in the group stage at the Emirates, the French champions have evolved since then under Luis Enrique and will pose a stern challenge.
But if this quarter-final is any indication, Arsenal are peaking at just the right time—and with European glory in sight, they may be poised for something truly special.
