Arsenal beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday at the Bernabéu to secure a 5-1 aggregate quarter-final triumph. The Gunners set up a UEFA Champions League semi-final date with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners headed into the match with a 3-0 aggregate advantage already in the bag. Declan Rice’s brace and Mikel Merino’s goal handed Arsenal a memorable win at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s men now sought to finish the job against the reigning champions, coached by European soccer’s most successful club head coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
Bukayo Saka’s penalty was saved by Thibaut Courtois in the 13th minute. However, after Real Madrid had a 27th-minute penalty for Declan Rice’s tussle with Kylian Mbappé overruled by VAR, Saka made amends and opened the scoring in the 65th minute.
A defensive lapse from the kick-off allowed Real Madrid to keep their hopes alive. Vinicius Jr. levelled the scores for Los Blancos in the 67th minute. However, Arsenal held firm and then in the third minute of stoppage time, they hit Real Madrid on the break with Gabriel Martinelli’s goal sealing the win.
PSG Date Awaits Arsenal
The Gunners will face French giants PSG (3.45) in the semi-finals, which will be played over two legs. Arsenal (2.07) will host the first at the Emirates Stadium on 29 April before visiting the Parc des Princes on 7 May.
PSG have been in good form against English opponents in the knockout stages this season. They beat Liverpool on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw in the round of 16. Luis Enrique’s men then progressed to face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. They beat their former boss Unai Emery’s side 3-1 in the first leg and then progressed 5-4 on aggregate despite a 3-2 defeat in the second.
Neither Arsenal nor PSG has ever won the UEFA Champions League before, which adds intrigue to this semi-final tie. Two famous clubs who have underachieved in this competition will face off and whoever the winner faces in the final, it will be a former champion.
Barcelona have won the competition five times before, and they beat Borussia Dortmund 5-3 on aggregate to progress to the semi-finals on Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday, three-time champions Inter Milan were confirmed as their opponents after the Italian giants beat Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate.
Arsenal previously faced Barcelona in the final of the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League. To date, this remains the Gunners’ only final appearance, and they lost 2-1.
Conclusion: Arsenal Will Fancy Their Chances
Arsenal’s triumph over Real Madrid marks a turning point. The Gunners showed composure, resilience, and clinical finishing. Their semi-final against PSG promises to be a thrilling affair. Both sides are desperate to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy for the first time.
Arteta has built a team that believes. Arsenal are no longer just hopefuls—they are contenders. Beating Real Madrid across two legs is no small feat. It sends a message to Europe. The Gunners are ready to challenge the elite.
PSG will be no pushovers. They have already knocked out strong English opposition. Their attacking quality will test Arsenal’s defence. But Arsenal have their match-winners. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice are in top form.
This semi-final could go either way. The margins will be fine. Moments will decide it. For fans and punters alike, it’s a tie full of drama and potential upsets. Expect plenty of interest in soccer betting circles.
Should Arsenal progress, they’ll face a European heavyweight in the final. But right now, all focus is on PSG. A golden opportunity awaits. Arsenal must seize it.
