Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE: Result and reaction after Mikel Arteta’s side book spot in semi-finals with famous win | OneFootball

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Arteta reflects on 'night to be very proud of' as Arsenal beat Real Madrid

Arsenal held off Real Madrid to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals with another outstanding performance.

Mikel Arteta’s side took a 3-0 lead into the second leg in the Spanish capital after a sublime showing at home last week, and knew anything bar a total collapse would be enough to take them through to the last four. It appeared they had made the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), only for Bukayo Saka’s chipped effort from the spot to be saved by Thibaut Courtois.

The visitors were then grateful again for VAR’s intervention after Declan Rice was deemed to have fouled Kylian Mbappe, only for the referee to overturn his decision after consulting the screen. Real Madrid created reasonably few chances thereafter in a lacklustre showing, allowing Saka to atone with a cute finish in the second half to make Arsenal’s position even more secure. Though Vinicius Jr replied rapidly, there was not to be any of Real Madrid’s usual conjuring in this competition as Arsenal held firm for a famous European success, with Gabriel Martinelli adding gloss and securing a victory on the night in stoppage time.

How Arsenal rose above Real Madrid’s dark arts to answer key Champions League question

As the game at the Bernabeu got into gear, and Real Madrid so struggled to open Arsenal in play, they tried to get at them in a different way. They tried to get into their heads, by getting right in their faces. It was a clear tactic, with Bukayo Saka especially targeted. David Alaba went in on him after four minutes. Jude Bellingham had words for Saka before his missed penalty. Dani Carvajal then tried to goad him after it.

Saka simply rose above it by lifting the ball over Thibaut Courtois for the key goal. That happened, however, because Arsenal stood their ground - and then stood up.

It was perhaps the greatest significance of this tie, beyond Arsenal’s comprehensive victory over two legs. Few would now question their fortitude. No one should be talking about them as a fragile team, or one lacking experience. They are going to be a hard and strong test for anyone.

How Arsenal rose above Real Madrid’s dark arts to answer key question

Real Madrid picked the wrong team to try and start a fight with. Arsenal were strong, resilient, and are going to be a test for anyone in the Champions League

Miguel Delaney17 April 2025 09:05

'These Arsenal players are ready for the big time now'

Theo Walcott speaking on MOTD: UEFA Champions League: “Arsenal’s confidence was there before this win - it was there from the 3-0 win in the first leg. Now, though, after beating Real again at the Bernabeu with this performance, I think everyone will take notice, right across Europe.”

On the impact of having Saka on the team, he said: “Look at Bukayo Saka, to miss a penalty in the manner he did but then to still put in a performance like that. He never shied away from the ball and carried on doing his job, but then to get Arsenal’s first goal the way that he did, showed just where he is mentally.

“The same goes for the whole side. Mentally, these Arsenal players are ready for the big time now.”