Daniel Edwards assesses Arsenal's sensational 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium that earned them a 5-1 aggregate win and a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Arsenal put on a defensive masterclass at the Santiago Bernabeu to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years, beating the 15-time European champions Real Madrid 2-1 in the second leg to advance 5-1 on aggregate and set up a match against French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Ahead of the match, most of the talk had been about Real's Remontada, their planned comeback after a 3-0 first-leg defeat at Emirates Stadium. But that never materialised as a magnificent Arsenal performance shut down their chances throughout, preventing them from a shot on target during the first half of a Champions League home match for the first time in over a year.
Arsenal had a golden opportunity to put the tie to bed after just 13 minutes, with a penalty after Raul Asensio had pulled Mikel Merino down to the ground as a corner was swung in.
After a VAR check and lengthy protestations from the Real contingent, up stepped Bukayo Saka. But his attempted Panenka was too close to Thibaut Courtois, who clawed it away.
Arsenal were handed a lifeline not long after, with a overturn of a penalty awarded to Real Madrid after Declan Rice was adjudged to have pulled down Kylian Mbappe.
Though the combination of an end-to-end start and a raucous atmosphere looked as though it could test Arsenal’s resolve, by half-time it had become apparent that Mikel Arteta’s defensive acumen was enough to stifle an energetic Real Madrid side, who were largely reduced to hopeful but ineffective crosses.
The game sparked into life just after the hour mark with both sides scoring in the space of three eventful minutes.
First was Saka, who having been played in neatly by Merino made amends for his earlier missed penalty with a delightful dink over an onrushing Courtois, before shushing the crowd with a celebration emulating Thierry Henry’s in this very same fixture back in 2006.
But with the away end still bouncing, Real threatened to turn the tie on its head minutes later after William Saliba was caught in possession by Vinicius Junior, who was left with an easy finish into a half-empty net.
This could have been a turning point, but Arsenal displayed the maturity that will be essential if they are to go all the way in this competition, seemingly unaffected by the equaliser. If anything they were refocused, with Los Blancos taking 25 minutes to achieve their next shot on target after the Vinicius goal.
Instead, it was Arsenal who were the most dangerous in the game’s final moments, finishing in style in stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli raced away to slot the ball past Courtois after the home side had desperately flooded the attacking half. It was a fine breakaway goal.
There were many great performances among the Arsenal squad in this tie, but it will be Rice’s impact which will be remembered in years to come. He truly announced himself as one of the world’s best midfielders, winning the first leg with two memorable free-kicks before a colossal defensive performance in the second, with two tackles and a game-high four interceptions.
"He was decisive today in a different way," Arteta said. "I think it was immense. His presence, the power that he showed, how composed he was, with or without the ball, I think he led the team in many moments and turns the game in our favour.
"That's why we need players at his level to step up and have a big contribution, and he certainly has done that."
Arsenal will need more of the same from Rice when they face PSG in the next round, especially with Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg after picking up a late yellow card.
'Without Pep, I wouldn't be here'
Arteta also revealed that, as also in the first leg, he had spoken to his former boss, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, ahead of the match.
"I called him this morning," Arteta said. "Because if I am here, it is thanks to him to a great extent.
"He has been a big inspiration to me. I lived four amazing years with him and I will always be grateful to him. Without him, I wouldn't be here."
Can Arsenal repeat win over PSG?
Arsenal have beaten the Parisians this season, but Rice told TNT Sports post-game he considered them to be a different side to the one defeated 2-0 at Emirates Stadium back in October.
PSG have only lost twice in 2025, but both defeats have come at the hands of English sides. The first came at home to Liverpool in March and then away to Aston Villa on Tuesday night, though that did not stop them from eliminating both sides from this competition.
Arsenal, who are 13 points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the Premier League but nine points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, can now focus entirely on making sure their squad is in perfect condition for the semi-finals.
Arsenal v Paris Saint-Germain
First leg: Arsenal v PSG, Tuesday 29 April, 20:00 BST
Second leg: PSG v Arsenal, Wednesday 7 May, 20:00 BST
The first leg will take place after Matchweek 34 in the Premier League while the second leg will occur after Matchweek 35.
Arsenal's next five fixtures
