Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli score at the Bernabeu as Arsenal knock out 15-time champions Real Madrid and set up a semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
Madrid, April 17, 2025:
Arsenal delivered a performance for the ages as they knocked out reigning champions Real Madrid with a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu, sealing a 5-1 aggregate victory to advance to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli either side of a Vinicius Jr. strike ended Real’s campaign, and ensured Mikel Arteta’s side will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the last four.
Despite an early missed Panenka penalty, Saka kept his cool later in the game to lift a delicate finish over Thibaut Courtois. While Vinicius Jr. briefly restored hope for the home crowd following a mistake from William Saliba, Arsenal maintained their composure, and Martinelli sealed the win in stoppage time after a breakaway started by goalkeeper David Raya.
🔥 Key Performers and Ratings:
- Player of the Match: Declan Rice (9/10) – Dominated midfield, outshone Bellingham.
- Bukayo Saka (8/10) – Missed penalty but recovered to score opener.
- Jakub Kiwior (8/10) – Outstanding defensive presence.
- David Raya (8/10) – Commanding, played a part in Martinelli’s goal.
Real Madrid’s attack—featuring Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Mbappe—struggled to break through a well-organized Arsenal defense. A potential penalty for a foul by Rice on Mbappe was overturned by VAR, further frustrating the hosts.
Arteta praised his team’s resilience and composure:
“To win at the Bernabeu, against a team with that legacy, it’s an incredible achievement. The players deserve every bit of praise.”
Declan Rice, who led by example in midfield, added:
“We knew we’d suffer, but we believed we’d win. This club is building something special.”
📊 Match Summary:
- First Leg (Emirates): Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid
- Second Leg (Bernabeu): Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal
- Aggregate Score: Arsenal win 5-1
⚔️ Next Fixture:
Arsenal will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League 2025.
🏷️ Tags:
Arsenal, Real Madrid, Champions League 2025, Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice, PSG vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League, Santiago Bernabeu, UCL Semi-final, Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, football news