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Arsenal secures Champions League semi-final spot with impressive victory over Real Madrid

Arsenal secures Champions League semi-final spot with impressive victory over Real Madrid

Arsenal achieved their first Champions League semi-final in 16 years with a historic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Bukayo Saka, after missing a penalty in the first half, scored to give Arsenal a 4-0 aggregate lead by the 64th minute. However, Real Madrid quickly responded when Vinicius Junior capitalized on a mistake by William Saliba to score.

Vinicius' goal gave Real Madrid a glimmer of hope, but Arsenal maintained their three-goal advantage, following Declan Rice's impressive set-piece goals in the previous leg at the Emirates. Gabriel Martinelli then scored in stoppage time to make it 5-1 on aggregate, completing a memorable night in Spain for Mikel Arteta's team.

Arsenal, the first English team to win twice at the Bernabeu, will face Paris St Germain in the semi-finals as they aim for their first European title.

The buzz leading up to the second leg was all about a possible comeback, with Jude Bellingham expressing Real Madrid's confidence in overturning Arsenal's 3-0 lead.

However, the focus turned to two controversial penalty incidents, one awarded to Arsenal and another denied to the hosts.

Prior to these contentious moments, an offside Kylian Mbappe had a goal disallowed early in the game, raising the excitement among the home fans.

Arsenal had the better chances to score, with Saka missing a penalty and having a shot saved by Courtois. The Gunners were awarded a penalty later in the first half, but Saka's attempted Panenka was saved.

Real Madrid thought they had a penalty as well, but after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, and Arsenal survived the scare.

Arsenal managed the game's tempo, with Real Madrid unable to register a shot on target in the first half. Courtois made a crucial save to deny Martinelli towards the end of the half.

Real Madrid had struggled to score against Arsenal in their recent encounters and needed a remarkable comeback in the second half.

It was Arsenal who struck first in the second half, with Saka redeeming himself with a superb finish after a brilliant build-up play. Real Madrid quickly responded with Vinicius scoring to level the match.

Despite having time to find more goals, Real Madrid couldn't break through Arsenal's defense again. The game was sealed for Arsenal when Martinelli scored in stoppage time.