Arsenal’s historic victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals has set the stage for an exciting semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners had already secured a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, but the return match in Madrid was anything but straightforward.
It was a tense first half with a penalty miss by Bukayo Saka and a controversial VAR decision that denied Real Madrid a penalty.
When the whistle blew for halftime, the score was still level at 0-0.
However, things quickly heated up in the second half.
Saka Redeems Himself, Martinelli Seals the Deal
Saka, who had missed a penalty earlier, made up for his error by scoring a beautiful opening goal.
But the joy was short-lived as Vinicius Junior responded almost immediately to equalize for Real Madrid.
Just when it seemed like the game was heading for extra time, Gabriel Martinelli produced a stunning 92nd-minute winner, sending Arsenal through with a 5-1 aggregate victory.
With the win, Arsenal secured a spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.
The first leg will take place at the Emirates on April 29, with the return leg in Paris on May 7. In the other semi-final, Barcelona will face Inter Milan.
Ancelotti’s Warm Words for Arteta After the Match
After the final whistle blew at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti embraced Mikel Arteta and spent some time chatting with the Arsenal boss.
Arteta later shared the details of their conversation during an interview with Movistar.
“He’s been very affectionate,” Arteta revealed. “He told me that he hopes we win it and that he’s happy for us.”
These kind words came from a man who, despite his own team’s disappointing exit, remained gracious.
Real Madrid’s loss in the quarter-finals marks a historic low, as it is the first time since 2004 that the club has failed to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
On top of that, Madrid’s domestic title defense is faltering, with Barcelona holding a four-point lead in La Liga.
Ancelotti’s Future in Doubt
When asked whether Wednesday night’s match could have been his last Champions League game with Madrid, Ancelotti responded with calm acceptance.
“It can happen, if the club decides to change,” he said. “There is no problem at all.
The day I finish here, I can only do one thing—thank the club. Whether my contract ends or not, I don’t care.”
Ancelotti’s current contract runs until 2026, but with reports linking him to the vacant Brazil national team coaching position, it’s unclear whether he’ll remain at Madrid much longer.
Some rumors even suggest that he could take over as Brazil’s head coach before the season ends.
Ancelotti’s Continued Praise for Arsenal
Even before the quarter-final ties began, Ancelotti had nothing but praise for Arteta and Arsenal.
Ahead of the first leg in London, he complimented Arteta’s managerial skills, calling Arsenal “one of the most complete teams in Europe.”
He also praised the Gunners’ growth under Arteta, saying, “There aren’t many complete teams in Europe, but Arsenal do everything well.
Arteta has done a fantastic job since 2020, and the team is stronger than ever.”
Ancelotti’s glowing comments were proven true after Arsenal’s comprehensive performance over two legs, dominating Real Madrid and securing their place in the semi-finals.
The road to the final won’t be easy, however, as PSG looms as a formidable opponent.
But for now, it looks like Ancelotti will be watching from the sidelines, cheering Arsenal on from afar.