Arsenal advanced to the Champions League Semifinals with a 2-1 win over Real Madrid, thanks to tactical brilliance and dramatic last-minute play.
Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing a place in the semifinals with a 5-1 aggregate score. The Gunners delivered a masterclass in resilience and precision, overcoming the reigning champions in their own fortress.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams probing for opportunities but failing to break the deadlock. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka had a chance to put his team ahead from the penalty spot but was denied by Thibaut Courtois, who read Saka’s Panenka attempt perfectly. Real Madrid, spurred on by their passionate home crowd, saw a goal disallowed for offside, keeping the scoreline level at halftime.
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The second half brought the fireworks. Arsenal struck first in the 65th minute when Saka redeemed himself with a clinical finish to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. However, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior responded just two minutes later, leveling the score at 1-1 and reigniting hopes of a comeback.
As the match approached its conclusion, Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the hero for Arsenal. In the 90th minute, he capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the decisive goal, silencing the Bernabéu and sealing a memorable victory for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s disciplined defense and clinical counterattacks were key to their success, while Real Madrid struggled to convert their 60% possession into meaningful chances. The result marks a significant milestone for Arsenal, who now advance to the semifinals, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.
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