Madrid, Spain – April 17, 2025 – In a stunning display of tactical discipline and resilience, Arsenal secured a famous 2-1 victory over defending champions Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium last night, April 16, 2025. The result sealed a dominant 5-1 aggregate win for the Gunners in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, ending Real Madrid’s title defence and booking Arsenal’s place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Coming into the second leg with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first encounter in London, Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal knew that avoiding a catastrophic collapse would see them progress. However, facing the 15-time European champions at the formidable Bernabeu required more than just caution; it demanded courage, organisation, and clinical finishing – qualities Arsenal displayed admirably throughout the night.
The early stages of the match were tense. Real Madrid, needing goals, sought to impose themselves, but Arsenal’s defence, marshalled superbly, held firm. The Gunners even had a golden opportunity to effectively kill the tie just 13 minutes in. A penalty was awarded to the visitors, presenting Bukayo Saka with a chance to score. However, the usually reliable winger saw his spot-kick expertly saved by the world-class Thibaut Courtois, keeping Madrid’s faint hopes alive.
VAR Incident
VAR played a crucial role later in the first half, much to Arsenal’s relief. A potential penalty claim for Real Madrid was reviewed and subsequently overturned, adding to the drama but ensuring the first half ended goalless. Despite Madrid enjoying possession, clear-cut chances were few and far between, a testament to Arsenal’s defensive structure and the disciplined performance instilled by Mikel Arteta.
Second Half Performances
The second half saw the game open up. Arsenal, having weathered the early pressure and the penalty miss, grew in confidence. The breakthrough came in the 65th minute. After being denied from the spot earlier, Bukayo Saka made amends with a moment of brilliance. Latching onto a through ball, he produced a superb, composed finish over the advancing Courtois to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead on the night and a seemingly unassailable 4-0 aggregate advantage.
However, Real Madrid, renowned for their UEFA Champions League comebacks, responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, the electric Vinícius Júnior pounced on an opportunity, finding the back of the net to level the score at 1-1 on the night. The Bernabeu roared, sensing a potential shift in momentum.
Yet, Arsenal refused to buckle. They regained their composure, managed the game effectively, and limited Madrid’s attacking threats. Players like Declan Rice were instrumental in midfield, breaking up play and shielding the defence. As the clock ticked down, Madrid’s challenge faded, unable to break down the resolute Gunners.
The final flourish came deep into stoppage time (90+3′). With Real Madrid pushing forward, Arsenal broke away, and Gabriel Martinelli, another of Arsenal’s vibrant young attackers, sealed the victory. The Brazilian forward finished coolly to make it 2-1 on the night, putting an exclamation point on a memorable performance and a stunning 5-1 aggregate triumph.
What does the historic win means for Arsenal
This football result marks a significant milestone for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. Defeating the reigning champions over two legs, particularly with such a convincing score line and a win at the Bernabeu, signals their return as a force in European competition. The disciplined defensive showing, combined with clinical moments from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, proved too much for a Real Madrid side that, despite Vinícius Júnior‘s goal and Thibaut Courtois‘s early penalty save, couldn’t conjure their usual European magic.
Arsenal now advance to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where they will face French champions Paris Saint-Germain. After eliminating the holders in such emphatic fashion, confidence will be sky-high as they continue their quest for a first-ever Champions League title. The highlights of this Bernabeu victory will undoubtedly be replayed by Gunners fans for years to come.
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