Arsenal dominate in Madrid to storm into the semi-finals

By Alonso Contreras

Arsenal sealed a commanding 5–1 aggregate win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, winning the second leg 2–1 on the night. In a performance brimming with maturity, intensity, and tactical discipline, Mikel Arteta’s side weathered the storm and struck at key moments to eliminate the 14-time champions from the UEFA Champions League.

First Half: Missed Chances and Penalty Drama

The tone was set early as both teams pushed with intent. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka looked dangerous from the outset, testing Thibaut Courtois with a low drive in the 8th minute. Just a minute later, Mikel Merino was brought down in the box by Raúl Asencio, and after a VAR check, a penalty was awarded to the visitors. However, Saka saw his spot-kick saved by Courtois — a golden chance spurned.

Real Madrid responded with a flurry of attacks, with Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé probing the Arsenal backline. The Gunners had David Raya to thank for a series of crucial stops, while William Saliba and Jurriën Timber stood firm under pressure.

Despite a lively half, the two teams went into the break goalless, with Arsenal holding a comfortable 3–0 aggregate lead.

Second Half: Saka and Martinelli Seal the Deal

The deadlock was broken in the 65th minute. Mikel Merino, a dominant figure in midfield all evening, split the Madrid defense with a slide-rule pass. Saka made no mistake this time, slotting home with his left foot to put Arsenal 1–0 up on the night and 4–0 ahead on aggregate.

Real Madrid pulled one back just two minutes later through Vinícius Júnior, who finished smartly from the center of the box after a rare lapse in the Arsenal defense. Briefly, hope flickered in the Bernabéu, but Arsenal remained unfazed.

As Madrid pushed forward in desperation, Arsenal struck the final blow. In the 90th minute, a sweeping counterattack ended with Merino again turning provider — this time for Gabriel Martinelli, who calmly finished to make it 2–1 on the night and seal a famous victory.

Key Substitutions and Final Whistle

Arteta utilized his bench smartly, with Leandro Trossard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, and Kieran Tierney all coming on to manage the final minutes. Madrid, meanwhile, made a raft of substitutions as they searched for answers, including bringing on Endrick, Brahim Díaz, and Luka Modrić.

In the end, the final whistle blew on an emphatic Arsenal triumph. The London side were organized, clinical, and composed throughout, sending a clear signal to the rest of Europe: they are here to contend.

Match Stats Summary:

• Goals: Vinícius Júnior 67’ (Real Madrid); Bukayo Saka 65’, Gabriel Martinelli 90’+3 (Arsenal)

• Yellow Cards: Alaba 4’, Asencio 11’, Rüdiger 85’ (Real Madrid); Partey 85’, Raya 36’ (Arsenal)

• Penalties: Saka (missed, 13’)

• Substitutions: 6 for Real Madrid, 5 for Arsenal

• Possession: Evenly split, but Arsenal with better chances converted

• Man of the Match: Mikel Merino – 2 assists, dominant midfield display

Post-match Reaction

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal manager):“I’m incredibly proud of the players. To come here and win in the Bernabéu is special. We knew we had to be disciplined and take our chances — and the boys executed the plan perfectly.”

Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid manager):“We didn’t do enough over two legs. Arsenal were the better team, and we have to accept that. We will learn from this.”