Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (Aggregate 1-5)

Arsenal’s Tactical Brilliance Seals a Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over Real Madrid to Secure a 5-1 Aggregate Win.

Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the Santiago Bernabéu, giving them a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory. This historic win propels the Gunners into the semi-finals for the first time since 2009, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli scored crucial goals for the Gunners, while Vinícius Júnior briefly leveled the match for Real Madrid. Arsenal displayed tactical discipline and resilience, with standout performances from players like Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. Despite late substitutions to consolidate their lead, Arsenal’s collective effort and composure proved decisive, ending Real Madrid’s campaign and earning a semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya (7/10): The goalkeeper had a relatively quiet night but remained composed when called upon. He couldn’t do much about Vinícius Júnior’s goal.

Jurrien Timber (8/10): A standout performance. Timber was solid defensively, keeping Vinícius Júnior in check, and contributed to Arsenal’s attacking play.

William Saliba (7/10): Generally reliable, but his costly error allowed Real Madrid to equalize on the night.

Jakub Kiwior (8/10): Stepped up brilliantly in a high-pressure game, making crucial blocks and interceptions.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (8/10): Showed maturity beyond his years, handling the occasion well despite some rough treatment from Real Madrid’s defenders.

Thomas Partey (8/10): Dominated the midfield with his physicality and precise tackling, though a late booking rules him out of the first leg against PSG.

Declan Rice (9/10): A colossal presence in midfield, breaking up attacks and driving Arsenal forward. His performance over both legs was instrumental.

Martin Ødegaard (7/10): Worked hard but lacked his usual creative spark. Played a role in the build-up to Arsenal’s first goal.

Bukayo Saka (8/10): Missed an early penalty but redeemed himself with a composed finish to open the scoring.

Gabriel Martinelli (8/10): Sealed the victory with a clinical stoppage-time goal, showcasing his pace and
composure.

Mikel Merino (7/10): Linked up well with the midfield and forwards, contributing to Arsenal’s fluid play.

Substitutes

Leandro Trossard (6/10): Came on late but added energy to Arsenal’s attack. Helped maintain possession under pressure.

Kieran Tierney (N/A): Came on in the dying moments for Martinelli to shore up Arsenal’s defense.

Ben White (N/A): Replaced Timber in stoppage time to provide fresh legs defensively.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (N/A): Substituted for Rice in the final moments of the game.