Arsenal booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday evening courtesy of a 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final at Bernabeu.
The Gunners had famously beaten Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg last week, giving Mikel Arteta‘s side a serious lead to protect heading in what threatened to be a blockbuster encounter in the Spanish capital.
Bukayo from had an early penalty saved by Los Blancos goalkeeper Thibaut Courtoisbefore the home side had a penalty of their own overturned, with Declan Rice adjudged not to have fouled Kylian Mbappe following advice from VAR.
Arsenal made it 4-0 on aggregate in the 65th minute through Saka, but Real Madrid did have a goal back less than two minutes later, with Vinicius junior making the most of a mistake from William Saliba.
There was to be no further response from Carlo Ancelotti‘s team, though, and Gabriel Theminies won it on the night for the Gunners late on, as the reigning champions bowed out of the competition 5-1 on aggregate.
SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT
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It is a first Champions League semi-final for Arsenal since 2009, and there is absolutely no doubt that it was deserved over the two legs, with Arteta’s outfit far and away the best team in the quarter-final tie.
Real Madrid simply left themselves with too much to do against an Arsenal side that were firm and resolute, and when Saka made it 4-0 on aggregate, it was incredibly difficult to imagine a late turnaround.
Had Real Madrid been awarded a first-half penalty, it might have been different, but there can be no arguments over the result.
In truth, Los Blancos have struggled for performances throughout the season and have instead had to rely on their wonderful forward players to win matches, and that has been the case on a number of occasions due to their talent.
There was an argument that Arsenal would have preferred to face Real Madrid than Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals, and the Gunners demonstrated that they are capable of being a real force at this level.
It will be a difficult few days for Real Madrid, who simply have to find a way to respond, with a domestic double still on, but this was a famous, famous result for an Arsenal side that are in the semi-finals of the tournament for only the third time in their history.
REAL MADRID VS. ARSENAL HIGHLIGHTS
13th Min: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) Penalty Miss
Arsenal are awarded a penalty as Mikel Merino is pulled to the ground by Raul Assenci; not sure what the Real Madrid defender is doing there, but Saka’s effort is poor, with Courtois able to make the save; already a huge moment early on here.
Bukayo Saka Goal vs. Real Madrid (65th min, Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal)
Arsenal take the lead in the 65th minute of the match, and Saka makes up for his penalty miss, as the England international dinks a brilliant pass from Merino over the onrushing Courtois; the Gunners are heading into the semi-finals.
Vinicius Junior Goal vs. Arsenal (67th Min, Real Madrid 1-1 Arsenal)
Real Madrid have a goal back here, as Vinicius robs William Saliba of possession in a dangerous area before finding the back of the net. Can the home side pull off what would be one of the best comebacks of all time?
Gabriel Martinelli goal vs. Real Madrid (90+3 min, Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal)
Arsenal win the match and make it 5-1 on aggregate, as Martinelli races through on goal before expertly picking out the bottom corner; it is a famous Bernabeu victory for the Gunners, who are marching into the final four.
MAN OF THE MATCH – DECLAN RICE
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Rice scored two stunning free kicks in the first leg of the quarter-final, but there is an argument that his performance tonight was even better, with the England international absolutely faultless in the middle of midfield.
The 26-year-old would have been ruled out of the first leg of a semi-final had Real Madrid’s first-half penalty stood, as he was adjudged to have fouled Mbappe in a yellow-card offence, but the decision was overturned following advice from the VAR.
Rice was a huge presence for Arsenal on Wednesday, and he overshadowed international teammate Jude Bellingham.
REAL MADRID VS. ARSENAL MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 66%-34% Arsenal
Shots: Real Madrid 18-11 Arsenal
Shots on target: Real Madrid 3-6 Arsenal
Corners: Real Madrid 10-4 Arsenal
Fouls: Real Madrid 18-15 Arsenal
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Arsenal’s attention will now switch back to England’s top flight, with the Gunners, who are second in the Premier League table13 points behind the leaders Liverpool, in action away to Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners will also be looking ahead to a blockbuster two-legged Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, with the first leg of the contest taking place at the Emirates Stadium at the end of the month.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be aiming to keep their La Liga title hopes alive when they welcome Athletic Bilbao to Bernabeu on Sunday night, and there will be major pressure on Ancelotti’s side to produce a response.
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