The Emirates roars as Arsenal return to the Champions League semi-finals after 15 years. Here’s how the Gunners completed the job in style.
Gunners on a Mission in Madrid
Arsenal proved they’re no longer just Premier League title hopefuls but genuine contenders in Europe too, as they stunned 15-time champions Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Mikel Arteta’s men arrived in Spain with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, and a composed 2-1 win on the night confirmed a historic 5-1 aggregate victory, booking their place in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Kenyan football fans watching the match had plenty to cheer about as the Gunners executed a near-perfect game plan under pressure in one of the world’s most iconic stadiums.
First Half: Arsenal Absorb, Then Strike Late
With Real Madrid desperate to claw back the deficit, the hosts came out firing. But Arsenal stood tall. Despite heavy early pressure, the Gunners looked comfortable. VAR drama followed after Raúl Asencio clipped Mikel Merino in the box, but Thibaut Courtois saved Bukayo Saka’s penalty brilliantly, keeping Real Madrid’s hopes flickering.
Madrid were then briefly awarded a penalty when Declan Rice tangled with Kylian Mbappé, but the decision was reversed after a lengthy VAR review. From there, Arsenal tightened their shape and frustrated the home side, with David Raya largely untroubled. The half ended with the aggregate score still firmly in Arsenal’s favour.
Second Half: Saka and Martinelli Seal It
Real Madrid started the second half aggressively, with chances falling to Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, but they couldn’t convert. Then came the moment that defined the tie. A slick Arsenal move cut open Madrid’s backline, with Mikel Merino feeding Saka, who coolly lobbed Courtois to give Arsenal the lead on the night and push the aggregate score to 4-0.
Madrid hit back quickly through Vinícius, who capitalised on a rare William Saliba error. But it wasn’t enough. As the home side pushed forward in desperation, Arsenal struck again. Deep in stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli sprinted clear on a counter and slotted past Courtois, making it 2-1 on the night and 5-1 overall.
Arteta’s Arsenal Makes a Statement
The result is a massive step forward for Arsenal, who’ve progressed from 19 of their last 21 UEFA ties after winning the first leg at home. Arteta’s young side is fearless, disciplined, and bursting with talent—something Kenyan fans have admired all season.
With the Premier League title race heating up and a UCL semi-final looming, this could be a season for the ages for the North London side.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
The Champions League dream is over for Real Madrid – at least for this season. They’ll now return to LaLiga, where they’ll face Athletic Club this Sunday. The pressure is on to close the gap on leaders Barcelona.
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Final Whistle: Gunners Dreaming Big
Arsenal’s dismantling of Real Madrid is not just a win – it’s a statement. The Gunners are no longer underdogs in Europe. They’ve beaten the best, and they’ve done it convincingly. With the semi-finals now on the horizon, the red side of North London dares to dream – and Kenyan fans will be backing them all the way.
