Arsenal Secure Champions League Semi-Final Berth After 16 Years

MADRID: After a previous penalty miss, Bukayo Saka’s opening goal propelled Arsenal into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, clinching a 5-1 aggregate victory and ending a 16-year wait to appear in the final four at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Arsenal began the second leg with a significant 3-0 advantage from the initial match. The first half was closely contested and remained scoreless, but Saka broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, giving the Gunners the lead after an earlier penalty miss.

Real Madrid quickly countered, with Vinícius Júnior taking advantage of a defensive error to level the score. However, Gabriel Martinelli scored in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory and highlight Arsenal’s overall dominance in both matches.

This semi-final appearance is only the third in Arsenal’s history in the Champions League, eliminating the 15-time European champions, who were clearly inferior throughout the contest.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, commended his team’s determination and spirit, particularly considering the numerous injuries within the squad.

Arteta stated, “I am exceptionally proud of my players tonight, not only for reaching the semi-finals but also given the circumstances, the number of injuries we faced, our style of play, and our management of the game.”

He further added, “Rice was outstanding, displaying composure, leadership, and turning the game to our advantage. You need a player like that at this level. Bukayo really stepped up today.”

Arsenal is now set to face Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated Aston Villa, in the first leg of the semi-final on April 30 at the Emirates Stadium in London.