Arsenal hold firm with ease at the Bernabéu and will face PSG next

Real Madrid were unable to mount a comeback in the Champions League quarter-finals, losing 1-2 at home to Arsenal.

With this result, the London club secured a 4-2 aggregate win over the reigning champions and now prepare for a high-profile semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain. The result marks a monumental step forward for Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to make waves on the European stage.

Heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Arsenal held a slim advantage following their 2-1 win in London. But facing Real Madrid in their own fortress is never an easy task, especially with the Spanish giants known for their dramatic European comebacks. The tension was palpable as the match kicked off, but Arsenal started with focus and confidence, pressing high and controlling possession in the early minutes.

Just over ten minutes into the game, the visitors had a golden chance to put Real under serious pressure. The referee awarded a penalty after Raúl Asencio was caught holding compatriot Mikel Merino in the box. Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers all season, stepped up to take the spot kick. However, his attempt lacked conviction and was struck with a touch too much flair, allowing Thibaut Courtois to read it easily and palm the ball away for a corner. It was a missed opportunity that could have shifted the momentum early, but Arsenal remained composed.

Moments later, controversy erupted at the other end. Referee François Letexier pointed to the penalty spot once more this time in favor of Real Madrid after Kylian Mbappé went down under a challenge from Declan Rice. The decision sparked heated protests from the Arsenal players, and VAR quickly intervened. After reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor, Letexier reversed his decision, determining that there was minimal contact and that Mbappé had gone to ground too easily. The reversal sparked further debate, but ultimately kept the match level and under Arsenal’s control.

Despite the missed penalty and penalty scare, Arsenal dominated much of the first half, effectively nullifying Real Madrid’s midfield and isolating their key attackers. Los Blancos struggled to find rhythm, and it wasn’t until the second half that they managed their first shot on target an astonishing statistic considering the attacking power in their squad.

The breakthrough finally came for Arsenal twenty minutes after the break, and it was a moment of pure quality. Bukayo Saka, making up for his earlier miss, found himself in space on the edge of the box and calmly chipped the ball over the onrushing Courtois with pinpoint accuracy. The goal silenced the Bernabéu and sent the traveling Arsenal fans into celebration.

However, the lead lasted just two minutes. Real Madrid responded immediately through Vinícius Júnior, who capitalized on a rare error from William Saliba. The usually rock-solid French defender misjudged a simple clearance, gifting the ball to the Brazilian forward, who made no mistake in front of goal. It was a harsh moment for Saliba, who has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers all season.

With the score at 1-1 on the night and Arsenal still leading on aggregate, Real Madrid began to push forward in search of a way back into the tie. Carlo Ancelotti introduced fresh legs, but the Spanish side continued to struggle in the final third. Arsenal’s backline, led by Saliba and Gabriel, remained firm, and goalkeeper David Raya was largely untested.

As the match entered its final minutes, Real’s urgency turned into desperation. But Arsenal held their nerve, and in stoppage time, substitute Gabriel Martinelli put the tie to bed. A quick counter-attack caught Real’s defense off guard, and Martinelli slotted the ball past Courtois with calm precision. It was a fitting end to a night that highlighted Arsenal’s maturity, efficiency, and belief.

Jurriën Timber, recently back from injury, delivered another strong performance, further strengthening Arteta’s defensive options at a crucial point in the season. The Dutchman’s composure and reading of the game added another layer of stability to Arsenal’s backline, which has grown increasingly difficult to break down.

For Real Madrid, the result is a bitter disappointment. The defending champions were outplayed over both legs, failing to live up to their usual European standard. Arsenal, on the other hand, continue their impressive run and now set their sights on a semi-final clash with PSG a team that also has something to prove in Europe.

This quarter-final victory not only boosts Arsenal’s confidence but also solidifies their status as serious contenders for the Champions League title. With a young, hungry squad and a tactical plan that has proven effective against Europe’s elite, the Gunners are just two matches away from a historic return to the final.