Arsenal have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009, following a stunning 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu that completed a 5-1 aggregate triumph over the Spanish giants. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a famous night for the Gunners, who outclassed the 15-time European champions across both legs.

After a dominant 3-0 win at the Emirates in the first leg, Arsenal entered the second leg with a healthy cushion but remained focused and disciplined under pressure in Madrid. The night could have started on a sour note for Bukayo Saka, who saw his early Panenka-style penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois. But the young winger made amends in the 65th minute, finishing off a brilliant team move orchestrated by Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino, lifting a delicate chip over Courtois to give Arsenal a 4-0 aggregate lead.

Real Madrid responded within two minutes through Vinícius Júnior, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the match on the night. The goal injected belief into the Bernabéu faithful, but Arsenal held their nerve. David Raya made key saves in goal, and Declan Rice, Ødegaard, and Gabriel provided a solid spine to help manage the tempo and keep Madrid at bay.

A dramatic moment came when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty for a supposed foul by Rice on Kylian Mbappé, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review a pivotal turning point that preserved Arsenal’s lead and deflated Madrid’s momentum.

In stoppage time, with Madrid pushing high for a miracle, Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory with a ruthless counter-attack finish, slotting past Courtois to make it 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.

The result marks a major milestone for Mikel Arteta’s side, who not only knocked out the reigning champions but also proved their maturity and tactical sophistication on Europe’s biggest stage. Arteta’s men will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals a matchup that promises even more excitement as Arsenal chase a maiden Champions League crown.

From defensive discipline to attacking flair, Arsenal’s performance at the Bernabéu showcased a team not only capable of dreaming big but one determined to write their name into the history books.