MADRID — For the first time in 16 years, Arsenal are heading back to a Champions League semi-final. And they’ve done it the hard way — toppling Europe’s most decorated club on their home turf.
A 2-1 win against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu sealed it, crowning a performance that will go down as one of the most composed and mature nights in Arsenal’s modern history. Coupled with their commanding 3-0 win in the first leg, it was more than enough to book a semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
“This is one of the best nights of my football career,” said manager Mikel Arteta, still visibly emotional after the final whistle. “We played a team with the biggest history in this competition. But we were brave. We showed we belong here.”
A Night of Redemption
Bukayo Saka had the chance to all but kill the tie off early with a cheeky Panenka from the penalty spot. It didn’t come off — Thibaut Courtois, who was back from injury, read it and saved it with ease. The Bernabéu erupted.
Saka didn’t flinch.
“I tried something and it didn’t work,” he told reporters afterwards. “But I was confident I’d get another chance.”
He did. And he took it.
Saka opened the scoring in the second half, silencing the Madrid crowd. Even after Vinícius Júnior equalised minutes later — pouncing on a rare mistake from William Saliba — Arsenal looked unbothered. Gabriel Martinelli’s late strike ensured the Gunners walked away with the win on the night and a 5–1 triumph on aggregate.
“I would have liked to slap him for that Panenka,” Arteta joked, “but then he responded in the perfect way. He was incredible.”
Declan Rice: Everywhere All at Once
If Saka redeemed himself, Declan Rice made himself unforgettable. The England midfielder was dominant. Tracking back, breaking up play, driving forward — he did it all.
“Rice was immense,” said former Arsenal defender Matt Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live. “One of the best performances you’ll see at this level.”
Rice also had a major hand in a crucial turning point. In the first half, Kylian Mbappé went to the ground under his challenge in the box. The referee pointed to the spot — but VAR intervened. Replays showed the France striker had gone down too easily. Penalty overturned.
“That was embarrassing,” said Upson. “There’s contact, but not enough for that reaction.”
Arteta’s Arsenal: Built, Not Bought
This wasn’t just a victory over Madrid. It was a vindication of Arteta’s vision.
No recognised striker. Key players injured. And yet Arsenal didn’t just hold their own — they dictated terms.
Arteta reportedly called his old mentor Pep Guardiola ahead of the match for advice. Whatever was said clearly worked. Arsenal looked drilled, focused, and fearless.
“He’s built this team from his brain,” said former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott. “You can see it. Everyone’s on the same wavelength.”
Even former critics are turning.
“This team was soft a few years ago,” admitted one supporter outside the Bernabéu. “Now? They’re fighters.”
The Road Ahead
Arsenal’s reward is a meeting with PSG, a side full of flair but still chasing their first Champions League title.
“They can beat anyone,” said French football journalist Julien Laurens. “They’ve got energy, speed, and maybe the best full-backs in Europe.”
But Arsenal will take heart from PSG’s wobbly second half against Aston Villa this week. And from their own strong record, they beat PSG 2-0 in the group stage earlier this season.
“Defensively, we’re strong,” said Arteta. “We’ll be ready.”
The Gunners have now reached just their third Champions League semi-final. The last time was in 2009, when a young Theo Walcott was part of the squad. This time, he’s watching from the studio — and liking what he sees.
“Mentally, they’re ready for the big time now,” Walcott said. “That was a statement.”
A Season of Questions — and Answers
This season has been anything but smooth. Arsenal’s title hopes have taken knocks. Injuries have piled up. Arteta, despite his steady progress, was under scrutiny.
Now, that noise has quietened.
They’ve gone unbeaten against England’s traditional “Big Six” for two straight years. They’ve ended years of European heartbreak. And they’ve done it playing as a team, not a collection of stars.
“No one gave us a chance,” said Arsenal fan Akkani outside the stadium. “But Arteta’s taken this team to another level.”
He paused, looked around at the celebrations, and smiled.
“And we’re not done yet.”
