Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 — and only the third time in the club’s history — after thrashing reigning champions Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate.
The Gunners sealed their historic qualification with a commanding 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, following a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg. Arsenal will now face Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, with the first leg scheduled for 29 April at the Emirates and the return leg on 7 May at the Parc des Princes.
This momentous achievement has delighted Arsenal fans around the world, who have witnessed their team play some of their best football this season, despite significant challenges. The win at the Bernabéu evoked memories of Thierry Henry’s iconic goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory there in 2006, when they defeated a star-studded Real Madrid side featuring Ronaldo Nazário and Zinedine Zidane.
Declan Rice was instrumental across both legs, producing arguably his best performances in an Arsenal shirt. He was named Man of the Match in both fixtures and is now a leading contender for Player of the Season — particularly if Arsenal go on to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history.
Tactical Discipline and Resilience
Mikel Arteta named an unchanged starting XI from the first leg, while Real Madrid made several changes. Aurélien Tchouaméni replaced the suspended Eduardo Camavinga in midfield, and Lucas Vázquez started at right-back.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty just 10 minutes into the match, but Bukayo Saka’s effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois. Madrid were then awarded a penalty of their own 17 minutes later, though it was overturned after a lengthy VAR review.
Saka redeemed himself in the second half with a composed finish after a slick team move. However, Real Madrid hit back quickly, with Vinícius Júnior capitalising on a mistake from William Saliba to equalise. Arsenal kept their composure, and Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win in the 90th minute, ensuring their passage to the semi-finals in style.
Semi-Final Ahead: PSG Await
Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey for the first leg of the semi-final due to suspension after picking up consecutive yellow cards. Meanwhile, PSG — having already secured the Ligue 1 title — are targeting a treble, with the Coupe de France and Champions League still within reach.
For Arsenal, the Champions League remains their only realistic chance of silverware this season, as they sit 13 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with six games remaining.
Reactions
Mikel Arteta on reaching the semi-final:
“I’m so happy. It’s only the third time in our history, so I have to be very proud. The team showed incredible ambition, courage and a willingness to compete against anyone. It’s not just that we’re there — it’s the manner in which we’ve done it, both in London and here in Madrid.”
“This was my first time as a coach at the Bernabéu. It’s a place where anything can happen — the chaos, the energy, the momentum. But emotionally, especially after missing the penalty, the way we responded was remarkable. These young players haven’t been at this stage before.”
Gabriel Martinelli, who scored the decisive goal:
“We are buzzing. It’s amazing to win a match like this at the Bernabéu. We know our quality and we believe in our team. This is something that will stay with us forever.”
Declan Rice:
“We knew we were going to win. Everyone was talking about Madrid’s comebacks, but we believed after the first leg. We were confident we had enough to come here and get the job done.”
Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid):
“We lacked intensity and didn’t compete well enough. Arsenal were the superior side.”
Carlo Ancelotti:
“We have to keep our heads high and learn from this. Arsenal deserved it. There are two sides to football — the joy we’ve felt in recent years, and now the pain. We must move forward.”
