Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in injury time to help Arsenal beat Real Madrid 5-1 to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Leading 3-0 in the first leg, the "Gunners" extinguished the pre-match discussion about another famous comeback from Los Blancos. Bukayo Saka and Martinelli scored for Arsenal while Real Madrid only had Vinicius' only goal.
Saka missed a penalty in the 13th minute when Thibaut Courtois successfully blocked him. After that, Real thought they had their own penalty when Kylian Mbappe fell after a tackle by Declan Rice. Referee Francois Letexier awarded the penalty, but after 5 minutes of checking VAR, the decision was overturned.
The "White Vultures" did not have any shots on target as Arsenal defended strongly. And when the home team had to take a risk to find an equalizer, the away team seized the opportunity. Saka blamed his previous missed penalty with a smart finish in the 65th minute.
William Saliba's mistake gave Vinicius an immediate response just two minutes later. However, The Gunners were still firm before Martinelli sealed the victory at the Bernabeu.
Mikel Arteta helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in the 2019-2020 season. And beating the 15-time Champions League champions could be considered Arteta's best achievement in his management career to date. The Spaniard has created the perfect balance in both matches against Real. The "Gunners" showed equal courage and caution.
After a miraculous night at the Emirates to gain a 3-goal lead, Arsenal defended steadfastly to their mark. This is the 80th consecutive match in which they have not conceded 3 goals. The last time that happened - against Luton Town in December 2023 - they still won 4-3.
Arsenal are completely deserving of this victory and don't forget, they still don't have a real striker due to injury. Meanwhile, key centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes is absent in defence.
Arteta's side may have lost in the Premier League, but this victory would give them real confidence. As Arsenal open up a new horizon for the first time since 2009, Arteta hopes for an even better night waiting in the semi-finals.
"This is definitely one of the best nights of my football career. It was a really special night as we beat one of the strongest teams in the competition.
After a few minutes at the Bernabeu, I realized that at this stadium, anything could have happened. Real are really strong at home, their fans are also very enthusiastic. However, our players have shown maturity, they have improved with each match" - Arteta said after the win over Real.
