Arsenal’s performance against Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals was breathtaking on a night full of drama.
At the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 to guarantee their spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in nearly 20 years.
With a resounding 5-1 aggregate win, the Gunners accomplished a double over the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners.
At the San Siro, Inter Milan simultaneously demonstrated their tenacity by securing an exciting 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich, which helped them advance with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Arsenal 1-2 Real Madrid (Total: 1–5)
With a dominant performance against Real Madrid, the 15-time Champions League champion, Arsenal made a significant statement in European football.
The Gunners broke the tie in the 65th minute when Bukayo Saka scored. Saka’s goal was especially noteworthy because he had missed a penalty in the first half, which could have changed the outcome of the game. However, the British winger, who was born in Nigeria, showed mental toughness by finishing calmly following a well-executed team move. Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Vinícius Júnior equalizing in the 67th minute, briefly giving the home crowd hope.
But in the closing seconds of the game, Arsenal’s resolve was evident as Gabriel Martinelli took advantage of a late counterattack to expertly slide home the second goal well into stoppage time. This late goal gave the match a dramatic twist in addition to confirming Arsenal’s advance to the semi-finals.
VAR’s contentious ruling, which disallowed a possible penalty after it seemed Declan Rice had fouled Kylian Mbappe inside the Arsenal area, ruined the evening for Real Madrid.
The home crowd’s dissatisfaction was evident, which heightened the annoyance surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
Real Madrid’s players and supporters are in full disbelief following this terrible loss, which ranks among the most shocking exits in the team’s storied Champions League history.
In the meantime, Inter Milan showed their resilience and strategic skill by holding off Bayern Munich in a thrilling 2-2 tie that guaranteed them a spot in the semi-finals.
Harry Kane’s well-placed header in the 52nd minute gave Bayern the lead and put the pressure on the home team.
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