Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed his side’s “character” and “resilience” following a historic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu a result that secured a 5-1 aggregate triumph and sent the Gunners into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.

Speaking after the match, Arteta called the win “a massive step” for the club and a clear indication of the team's growing maturity on Europe’s biggest stage. “The way we finished last year and the way we’ve done it this year against the team with the highest honours in this competition, it’s incredible,” he said.

The result was another highlight in a campaign that continues to exceed expectations under Arteta’s leadership. Arsenal had entered the second leg with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg at the Emirates. But in Madrid, they remained disciplined and composed, handling the pressure of the Bernabéu with remarkable poise.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for Arsenal after redeeming himself from an earlier missed penalty, showing what Arteta described as “incredible mental strength.” Although Vinícius Jr. briefly equalized for the hosts, Gabriel Martinelli sealed the match in stoppage time, silencing the Spanish crowd and confirming Arsenal’s semifinal berth.

“After two or three minutes, you have to realise anything is possible in this stadium,” Arteta noted. “One goal and game on, anything can happen. Fortunately, things went our way. We have to be proud of ourselves. I’m really proud of them.”

Arsenal will now face French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, with the first leg to be played at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta, however, is not letting the team’s focus waver. “We have an objective in this competition: we want to play the best teams and we want to win this competition,” he said, reaffirming the club’s ambition.

The win over Real Madrid, the most decorated club in Champions League history, is not just a result it’s a statement. Under Arteta, Arsenal have evolved into a formidable force, blending youthful talent with tactical discipline, and the performance in Madrid will go down as one of their greatest European nights.