Arsenal put on a defensive masterclass at the Santiago Bernabeu to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years, setting up a match against high-flying French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal had a golden opportunity to put the tie to bed after just 13 minutes, with a penalty awarded to the away side after Raul Asensio pulled Mikel Merino down to the ground as a corner kick was swung in.
After a VAR check and lengthy protestations from the Real Madrid contingent, up stepped Bukayo Saka, but his failed Panenka attempt clawed away by Thibaut Courtois.
Arsenal were handed a lifeline not long after, with a cancellation of a penalty awarded to Real Madrid after Declan Rice was adjudged to have pulled down Kylian Mbappe in a scenario that closely mirrored the game’s earlier decision.
The game sparked into life just after the hour mark with both sides scoring in the space of three eventful minutes.
First was Saka, who having been played in neatly by Merino made amends for his earlier miss from the penalty spot with a delightful dink over an on-rushing Courtois, before shushing the crowd with a celebration emulating Thierry Henry’s in this very same fixture back in 2006.
With the finishing line in sight and the away end still bouncing, Real Madrid threatened to turn the tie on its head minutes later after William Saliba was pickpocketed by Vinicius Junior, who was left with an easy finish into a half-empty net.
Gabriel Martinelli extended Arsenal’s lead after racing away to slot the ball past Courtois after the home side had desperately flooded the attacking half, a fine breakaway goal officially setting up a semi-final encounter against PSG.
There were many great performances among the Arsenal squad in this tie, but it’s Rice’s impact which will be remembered in years to come, truly announcing himself as one of the world’s best, winning the first leg with two memorable free-kicks before a colossal defensive performance in the second leg, with two tackles and a game-high four interceptions.
Arsenal will need more of the same from Rice when they face PSG n in the next round, especially with Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg after picking up a late yellow card.
Arsenal have of course already beaten the Parisians this season, but Rice told TNT Sports post-game that he considered them to be a different side to the one the Gunners defeated 2-0 at Emirates Stadium back in October.
PSG have only been defeated twice in 2025, but both defeats have come at the hands of English sides, losing at home to Liverpool in March and away to Aston Villa on Tuesday night, though that did not stop them from eliminating both sides from this competition.
Arsenal, who are 13 points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the Premier League but nine points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, can now focus entirely on making sure their squad is in perfect condition for the semi-finals.
