Arsenal have sealed their place in the semi-final of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night.
A late winner from Gabriel Martinelli capped off a solid performance by the London side, who completed a double over the Spanish giants, having secured a 3-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium last week.
The clash began with intensity as both teams looked to assert dominance early. Arsenal were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead after Raul Asencio fouled Mikel Merino in Madrid’s box, resulting in a penalty. However, Bukayo Saka’s panenka attempt was saved by Thibaut Courtois, keeping the hosts in the game.
Shortly after, Real Madrid were momentarily awarded a penalty when Declan Rice and Kylian Mbappe tangled in Arsenal’s box, but a VAR review overturned the decision, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock late in the second half as Mikel Merino set up Saka, who made no mistake this time, lifting the ball delicately over Courtois.
Vinicius Junior responded for Madrid, firing home an equaliser that brought some hope to the Galacticos. But just when the game looked set for a draw, Martinelli raced through the middle on a blistering counter and calmly slotted past Courtois to seal the win and a 5-1 aggregate triumph.
In the night’s other fixture, Inter Milan held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw at the San Siro, progressing to the semi-final with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.
UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Fixtures
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs Arsenal
- Inter Milan vs Barcelona
With this win, Arsenal continue their impressive European run, reaching the Champions League semi-final for the first time since 2009, and are now just one step away from a shot at continental glory.
