Arsenal have advanced to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years after securing a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, completing a 5-1 aggregate win in the quarter-final tie.
With a 3-0 first-leg advantage earned at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners arrived in Madrid needing a composed performance to finish the job. Manager Mikel Arteta’s side delivered just that, absorbing early pressure from the home side before asserting their control.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty midway through the first half after VAR confirmed a foul by Raúl Asencio on Mikel Merino inside the box.
However, Bukayo Saka’s chipped effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois, keeping Real Madrid’s faint hopes alive. Minutes later, Real appeared to have a lifeline when Kylian Mbappé was brought down by Declan Rice, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the penalty decision.
Despite controlling possession, Real Madrid struggled to break through Arsenal’s compact defence, with David Raya rarely troubled in goal as the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, the Spanish side pushed forward in search of a comeback, but missed opportunities by Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior proved costly. Arsenal delivered a decisive blow in the 65th minute when Mikel Merino threaded a through ball to Saka, who lifted a calm finish over Courtois to extend their lead.
READ ALSO:We’re Not Owing Late Christian Chukwu – NFF Debunks Social Media Claims
Real responded swiftly as Vinícius capitalised on a rare William Saliba error to pull one back two minutes later. However, it was not enough to change the tie’s outcome. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win, breaking away on the counter and slotting past Courtois.
The victory sees Arsenal maintain an impressive record in European competition, having progressed from 19 of 21 UEFA knockout ties after winning the first leg at home. Real Madrid will now turn their focus to domestic matters as they prepare for a key La Liga fixture against Athletic Club in their pursuit of league leaders Barcelona.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
