Arsenal hold off Real Madrid to reach Champions League semis

Arsenal have advanced to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009 after defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Gunners, who had already built a commanding 3-0 lead in the first leg, kept their composure in a tense second leg to seal a 5-1 aggregate win over the record champions. Arsenal fans en masse started buying Champions League tickets for the semi-finals.

Gunners survive the Bernabéu pressure

Real Madrid started aggressively, looking to unsettle Arsenal early with pressure from Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé. The home fans created an intense atmosphere, especially following a stirring tribute to former coach Leo Beenhakker. Arsenal, however, stayed compact and disciplined, choosing to allow Madrid more possession while avoiding big risks in transition. The hosts struggled to create clear-cut chances. Arsenal’s defensive organization, led by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, prevented Madrid from finding rhythm in the final third. The only real moment of danger in the first half came when a corner resulted in a soft penalty call on Martín Zubimendi, later overturned after a lengthy VAR check.

Second-half drama and composure

After the break, Arsenal struck first. A sharp passing move found Bukayo Saka in space, and the England international slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois with clinical precision. Madrid responded instantly. Saliba lost his footing under pressure, and Vinícius Júnior pounced, levelling the score at 1-1 on the night and briefly reigniting hopes of a remontada. Unlike other recent victims of Real Madrid’s famous late comebacks including Bayern, Manchester City, and Chelsea, Arsenal didn’t panic. Mikel Arteta’s men slowed the tempo, kept the ball, and frustrated the home side with smart fouls and composed buildup. The introduction of Jorginho and Martinelli helped regain midfield control and manage the final stretch of the game.

Martinelli seals it in stoppage time

In the final moments, Real pushed bodies forward in desperation, leaving space at the back. Arsenal took full advantage. Gabriel Martinelli broke free in added time and finished coolly past Courtois, silencing the Bernabéu and sending the traveling supporters into celebration.

Arsenal eye long-awaited Champions League glory

Arsenal will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals a matchup between two historic clubs still searching for their first Champions League crown. Tickets for this match are already available. Arteta’s side, once doubted for their lack of big-match experience, now look like legitimate contenders for the title. The semifinal fixtures will be played on 29/30 April and 6/7 May, with the final scheduled for 31 May at the Allianz Arena in Munich.