Arsenal reach Champions League semi-final after Bernabeu win | OneFootball

Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals after beating Real Madrid this evening.

The pre-game talk was about a potential ‘Remontada’ from Real Madrid, but it was the Gunners who won on the night to complete an emphatic aggregate win.

Arsenal squandered the chance to take an early lead when Bukayo Saka saw his spot-kick saved by Thibaut Courtois, though the winger’s tame effort did not derail the visitors. Arsenal regrouped, survived an overturned penalty decision, and came back stronger.

Fittingly, it was Saka who fired Arsenal ahead. Just after the hour, the 23-year-old lifted a delicate finish over Courtois to give the Gunners a 4-0 lead in the tie.

Real Madrid responded instantly, though it was a goal that came from Arsenal’s own error. William Saliba was caught in possession, allowing Vinicius Junior to pull one back.

Arsenal, however, remained unfazed even as the Bernabeu turned up the noise. Comfortably the better side over two legs, Gabriel Martinelli put the final nail in the Real Madrid coffin with a stoppage-time goal on the break. Arsenal have eliminated the holders and remain unbeaten against Real Madrid in all four meetings between the sides.

A first semi-final in 19 years awaits, against a Paris Saint-Germain side some consider to be favourites. After beating the holders in such convincing fashion, Arsenal will have no fear of the French champions.

Madrid win beyond Arteta’s ‘wildest dreams’

Reflecting on a famous night for Arsenal, TNT Sports’ Ally McCoist hailed a ‘monumental’ performance from Declan Rice and said home and away wins against Real Madrid will be beyond Mikel Arteta’s wildest dreams.

“Madrid have been outplayed, absolutely outplayed over two games. Where do you start with Arsenal? I’ve got to say, he will be absolutely thrilled, Mikel Arteta. Those two results, the level of performance will be beyond his wildest dreams.

“The defence, the two-full backs, the midfielders – outstanding. Up front, Martnelli, Merino, Saka, worked their socks off. However, Declan Rice! He was monumental. He was the best player over the two games by some stretch.

“The two goals he scored last week were outrageous, but his level of performance tonight was magnificent.”

Read – Champions League top scorers: Guirassy takes the lead

See more – Ranked! Arsenal’s five best Champions League wins

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