Arsenal sealed their first UEFA Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009 with a superb 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory.
Carrying a three-goal cushion from the first leg, thanks to Declan Rice’s heroics in North London, the Gunners approached the second leg with composure and discipline. After weathering early pressure from the hosts, Arsenal were handed a chance to extend their lead when VAR awarded a penalty for a foul on Mikel Merino. However, Bukayo Saka’s chipped effort was expertly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid appeared to win a penalty of their own moments later, but a VAR review overturned the call after minimal contact from Rice on Kylian Mbappé. Despite controlling possession, Madrid struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Arsenal’s defense standing strong to maintain their aggregate advantage.
Pushing for a lifeline in the second half, Real increased their intensity—Mbappé missed a close-range header, and Vinícius Júnior forced a comfortable save from David Raya. But Arsenal struck a decisive blow in the 65th minute when a fluid team move saw Merino play in Saka, who redeemed his earlier miss with a classy finish over Courtois.
Madrid hit back quickly as Vinícius capitalized on a Saliba error to score into an empty net, but it proved to be little more than a consolation. Deep into stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory with a swift counterattack and composed finish.
Arsenal have now progressed in 19 of 21 UEFA ties after winning the home leg, while Real Madrid will look to bounce back quickly as they prepare to face Athletic Club in a crucial LaLiga clash.
