Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, capping a statement two-legged performance with a composed 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu to seal a 5-1 aggregate triumph.
Mikel Arteta’s side arrived in Spain with a commanding 3-0 advantage but showed no signs of retreat. Instead, they played with maturity, confidence and the kind of edge that’s eluded them on Europe’s biggest stage for years.
The night had its flashpoints as a missed Panenka from Bukayo Saka and a penalty reversed by VAR after Declan Rice appeared to foul Kylian Mbappe but Arsenal never lost control. Saka made amends just after the hour, rifling home after a clever pass from Mikel Merino, before Vinicius Junior capitalised on a rare Saliba error to briefly restore hope for the hosts.
But Madrid, uncharacteristically flat, lacked the urgency expected from the reigning champions. Gabriel Martinelli’s late breakaway goal silenced the Bernabeu and underlined Arsenal’s dominance across both legs.
The Gunners now prepare to face PSG in the semi-finals, a clash rich in talent and narrative. With Barcelona and Inter battling on the other side of the draw, Arteta’s side are just two matches away from the final in Munich. Belief is building in North London.
