Arsenal Defeat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, Reach First Champions League Semi-final Since 2009
IDNN Sports Desk | April 17, 2025
Arsenal End 16-Year Wait for Champions League Semi-final with Clinical Victory in Madrid
Madrid, Spain — Arsenal delivered one of their most mature and commanding European performances under Mikel Arteta, beating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu to cruise into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg, the Gunners executed a near-flawless game plan, soaking up pressure, denying chances, and taking their own with precision to knock out the competition’s most decorated club 5-1 on aggregate.
Saka Misses Early Penalty, Arsenal Stay Composed
Real Madrid, backed by a vocal home crowd and armed with Champions League pedigree, came out with intent. But Arsenal’s midfield, marshaled by Declan Rice, absorbed the pressure.
Against the run of play, VAR awarded Arsenal a penalty after a foul by Raul Asencio on Mikel Merino, but Bukayo Saka’s delicate attempt was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Moments later, Madrid thought they had a lifeline when Kylian Mbappé tumbled under pressure from Rice, but the decision was overturned after a lengthy review — much to the Gunners’ relief.
Despite Madrid’s possession, David Raya remained untested, and Arsenal’s first-half defensive display kept their aggregate cushion intact.
Saka Redeems Himself, Martinelli Seals It
Madrid upped the tempo after the break. Mbappé headed over from close range and Vinicius Junior forced a save from Raya, but Arsenal struck at the other end just as Real were building momentum.
A sweeping move saw Mikel Merino release Saka, and the England star made no mistake this time — lifting the ball over Courtois with a calm, composed finish in the 65th minute.
Vinicius briefly ignited hope for the hosts, capitalizing on a rare lapse from William Saliba to equalize on the night, but it was Arsenal who had the final say.
In stoppage time, substitute Gabriel Martinelli finished off a devastating counterattack to give Arsenal a second goal and cement the Gunners’ dominance over the two legs.
📊 The Stats Tell the Story
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Arsenal have now progressed from 19 of their last 21 UEFA ties after winning the first leg at home.
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Declan Rice, named Flashscore Man of the Match, was immense once again — shielding the back four and dictating tempo.
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This marks the first time Real Madrid have conceded five goals over two legs in the Champions League since 2000.
What’s Next?
Arsenal’s reward is a semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who also advanced after a thrilling quarter-final. The Gunners will host the first leg before traveling to Paris for the return leg on May 6.
For Real Madrid, the defeat ends their European campaign. Their focus now shifts to LaLiga, where they trail Barcelona by four points.
