by Arsenal delivered a commanding performance to eliminate reigning champions Real Madrid from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory. This marks the Gunners’ first semi-final appearance in the competition since 2009.
In the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal dominated with a 3-0 win. Midfielder Declan Rice was the standout performer, scoring two direct free-kicks—his first in senior football—and becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a Champions League knockout match. Mikel Merino added a third goal, leaving Real Madrid with a daunting deficit.
Traveling to Madrid with a comfortable lead, Arsenal maintained their composure in a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a deft chip over Thibaut Courtois, redeeming himself after an earlier missed penalty. Although Vinícius Júnior briefly equalized, Gabriel Martinelli secured the win with a stoppage-time goal, both assists coming from Merino.
This triumph is Arsenal’s first over Real Madrid since 2006 and represents one of the heaviest aggregate defeats for the Spanish giants in Champions League history. The Gunners also became the first English club to win twice at the Bernabéu, underscoring their growing European pedigree.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s tactical discipline and resilience, emphasizing their readiness for the challenges ahead. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, aiming to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged Arsenal’s superiority over both legs and expressed hope that his team would learn from the experience as they continue to compete in domestic competitions.
Arsenal’s emphatic victory signals their resurgence on the European stage and sets the stage for an exciting semi-final clash against PSG.
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