In a thrilling Champions League quarter-final clash, Arsenal knocked out Real Madrid, securing a dominant 5-1 aggregate win.
The Gunners, holding a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, headed to Madrid with confidence, but the match was anything but straightforward.
After a dramatic first half with Bukayo Saka missing a penalty and a potential Real Madrid penalty being overturned by VAR, both teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Gabriel Martinelli Seals the Victory in the Dying Minutes
The second half saw Arsenal take the lead through Saka, who made up for his earlier penalty miss with a well-taken goal.
However, Real Madrid responded quickly with Vinicius Junior equalizing shortly after.
With tensions running high, it was Gabriel Martinelli who became the hero, scoring a last-minute goal in the 92nd minute to secure a 2-1 win on the night and a 5-1 aggregate score, sending Arsenal through to the semi-finals.
Arsenal Set to Face Paris Saint-Germain in the Semi-Final
The victory now sets up a thrilling semi-final showdown between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, with the first leg set to take place at the Emirates on April 29 and the return leg scheduled for May 7.
In the other semi-final, Barcelona will face Inter Milan.
Ancelotti Shares Warm Words with Arteta After the Match
After the final whistle at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was seen embracing Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta.
The two coaches shared a heartfelt conversation, with Arteta revealing in an interview with Movistar what Ancelotti had said to him. “He’s been very affectionate,” Arteta shared.
“He told me that he hopes we win it and that he is happy for us.”
This was a rare moment of grace from Ancelotti, who is facing significant scrutiny following Real Madrid’s exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
It marked the first time since 2004 that the 15-time European champions have been eliminated at this stage, and the club’s struggles could extend to their domestic league, as they trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga.
Ancelotti’s Future at Real Madrid Remains Uncertain
After the match, Ancelotti was asked whether he thought it could be his last Champions League match with Real Madrid.
The veteran manager responded, “It can happen, if the club decides to change. There is no problem at all.
The day I finish here, I can only do one thing, thank the club. If my contract ends or not, I don’t care.”
Ancelotti, whose contract runs until 2026, has been linked with the vacant Brazil head coach position following Dorival Junior’s sacking last month.
There are even reports suggesting that Ancelotti could take over the Brazilian national team before the end of the current season.
Ancelotti Praises Arteta Ahead of the First Leg
This wasn’t the first time Ancelotti has spoken highly of Arteta and his Arsenal team.
Prior to the first leg in London, Ancelotti praised Arteta’s work, saying, “He has built a complete team.
There aren’t many complete teams in Europe.
There are teams who do some things well but not many that do everything well like Arsenal do.
Arsenal are one of the most important clubs in Europe and Arteta has done a fantastic job.
From 2020 onwards, he has done really well. The team is stronger than in the past and will be even stronger in the future.”
Arsenal’s Historic Journey to Their First Semi-Final Since 2009
Arteta’s tactical brilliance was on full display over the two legs against Real Madrid, and Arsenal’s dominant performance proved Ancelotti’s words true.
This marks Arsenal’s first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009, a huge achievement for the club.
As Arsenal looks to overcome a formidable Paris Saint-Germain side in the semi-finals, one thing is clear: they have earned the respect of one of the game’s greatest managers.
Whether they can take the next step and secure a spot in the final remains to be seen, but for now, Arsenal fans can bask in the glory of a remarkable victory over the Spanish giants.
