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Mikel Arteta described Arsenal’s stunning triumph over Real Madrid as “one of the best nights” of his footballing career after the Gunners produced a composed and clinical performance to eliminate the reigning champions and book their spot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Arsenal came into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu with a commanding 3-0 advantage following a first-leg demolition at the Emirates. But with Real Madrid’s legendary history in this competition, nothing was taken for granted. The Gunners had a job to finish — and finish it they did, with a composed 2-1 win in hostile territory that underlined their growing European credentials.
Business Handled in Madrid
Despite the pressure, Arsenal never looked overwhelmed. They absorbed Madrid’s early energy, recovered from setbacks — including Bukayo Saka’s missed Panenka penalty — and responded to adversity with maturity. Saka redeemed himself with a well-taken goal in the second half, and although Vinícius Júnior pounced on a rare William Saliba error to briefly level the score, the Gunners didn’t flinch. Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory late on, killing off Madrid’s slim hopes of a miraculous comeback.
The result means Arsenal progress to the semi-finals for just the third time in the club’s history, and the first since 2009. Awaiting them in the next round is a formidable Paris Saint-Germain side led by Kylian Mbappé, but after dispatching the most successful team in European history, confidence is sky-high in North London.
Arteta’s Arsenal Come of Age
“This is one of the best nights in my football career,” Arteta said after the match, his pride evident. “We played against a team with the biggest history in this competition. For us, that history is still very short — this is only the third time we’ve done this in our history. But nights like this help us build.”
It’s been a long time coming. When Arteta took over in 2019, Arsenal were struggling to find an identity. Fast forward to 2025, and they’re top contenders in the Premier League, and now semi-finalists in Europe. The progression has been deliberate, strategic, and at times painful. But the rewards are starting to show.
“This has to be a step, not a moment,” Arteta added. “Now we have to continue because I believe we’ve built some real momentum.”
A Statement Win in Every Sense
This wasn’t just a win — it was a message. Arsenal didn’t fluke their way into the semis. They outplayed Real Madrid over two legs. At the Emirates, they blitzed Carlo Ancelotti’s side with energy and precision. In Madrid, they showed composure, resilience, and tactical discipline.
The missed penalty in the first half could’ve rattled them. Saka’s Panenka was saved easily by Thibaut Courtois, and when VAR overturned a penalty awarded to Kylian Mbappé (on loan to Madrid this season) at the other end, it felt like drama was brewing. But Arsenal didn’t spiral.
Instead, they doubled down. Declan Rice controlled the midfield, Gabriel and Saliba — despite the latter’s error — marshalled the backline well, and David Raya pulled off a string of important saves. When Saka opened the scoring after a slick one-two with Martin Ødegaard, it was a deserved reward for Arsenal’s enterprise.
Even after Real equalized, Arsenal didn’t retreat. They stayed confident, and Martinelli’s breakaway goal late in the game sealed it. Arsenal were through, and they’d done it on merit.
From Boys to Men
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, speaking on BBC Sport, captured the mood: “Mentally, Arsenal were brilliant. The Bernabéu is a fortress. And to come here, against this team, and win again? That shows just how far this team has come.”
And he’s right. This wasn’t the same Arsenal that used to buckle under the pressure of big European nights. This is a team that has grown together, suffered together, and now — finally — is reaping the rewards together.
Eyes on the Prize
With PSG up next, Arsenal will need every bit of belief and energy they can muster. The French side, led by the ever-dangerous Mbappé, will pose a different kind of test. But after overcoming Real Madrid with such poise, the Gunners have proven they belong among Europe’s elite.
For Arteta, it’s a validation of his vision. For the players, it’s a reward for their relentless effort. And for the fans — who waited 15 years to see their team back in a Champions League semi-final — it’s a dream rekindled.
Whether they go all the way or fall just short, Arsenal have already made history. But don’t expect them to settle. This team is hungry. And with momentum on their side, anything feels possible.