In a stunning display of tactical prowess and resilience, Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 16, 2025, securing their place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals with a commanding 5-1 aggregate score. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Gunners, eliminating the defending champions and setting up a highly anticipated clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the next round.
Match Summary
Arsenal entered the second leg with a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first encounter at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the daunting atmosphere of the Bernabéu, the Gunners maintained composure and executed their game plan effectively.
- Bukayo Saka: After missing an early penalty, Saka redeemed himself by opening the scoring with a brilliant goal, silencing the home crowd.
- Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian forward briefly reignited Real Madrid’s hopes by equalizing, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
- Gabriel Martinelli: In stoppage time, Martinelli sealed the victory for Arsenal with a well-taken goal, extinguishing any remaining comeback aspirations from the hosts.
Arsenal’s disciplined defense, led by William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior, effectively neutralized Real Madrid‘s attacking threats, while goalkeeper David Raya made crucial saves to preserve the lead.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 67% | 33% |
| Shots | 18 | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 6 |
| Corners | 10 | 4 |
| Fouls Committed | 18 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, orchestrated a masterclass in game management. The team’s compact formation and quick transitions exploited Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities. Midfielders Declan Rice and Mikel Merino controlled the tempo, disrupting the hosts’ rhythm and launching effective counterattacks.
Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, struggled to penetrate Arsenal’s organized defense. Despite moments of individual brilliance, the lack of cohesive attacking patterns hindered their ability to mount a significant comeback.
Post-Match Reactions
- Mikel Arteta: “Our players showed immense character and discipline. Winning at the Bernabéu is a testament to their hard work and belief.”
- Carlo Ancelotti: “Arsenal were the better team over both legs. We need to analyze our performance and come back stronger.”
What’s Next?
Arsenal’s impressive victory sets up a semifinal showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, promising an exciting contest between two in-form teams. The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium, with dates to be confirmed by UEFA.
