Arsenal Route Real to Make Champions League Semis
Arsenal secured their place in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-finals after beating Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday, 16 April.
The second leg of the UCL quarter-final at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, was a nail-biter that could have easily been a final in itself.
Despite missing an early chance with a spot-kick at the 13-minute mark, Bukayo Saka redeemed himself with a second-half goal. However, the lead was short-lived as two minutes later, Vinicius Junior equalised for the home side.
Gabriel Martinelli came through for the Gunners three minutes into stoppage time, sealing a 2-1 win for the visitors and a resounding 5-1 aggregate victory to reach their first UCL semi-final since 2009.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, praised Saka’s boldness and character, especially given the pressure of playing in Madrid for the first time, and joked about wanting to “slap” him after the spot-kick miss.
The night showcased tactical maturity from the visiting team, with standout performances from Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli and Jakub Kiwior. Arteta, reflecting on his journey, revealed he had spoken with his former mentor, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, before the game, crediting him as an inspiration.
Arsenal will now face Paris Saint-Germain, with the first leg at Emirates Stadium in London, England, on 29 April.
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