AFCON 2025
Real Madrid’s dream of staging a comeback first arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu ended in tears.
The Gunners didn’t repeat the humiliating first-leg win but did enough to beat the defending champions again – this time, in front of their home fans.
Arsenal started the game with confidence and were awarded a penalty 13 minutes into the feisty encounter after Raul Asencio fouled a player.
Unfortunately, Bukayo Saka failed to convert as Thibault Courtois saved his panenka penalty to restore the confidence of his team.
The English winger had earlier forced a save off Courtois as Arsenal approached the game with confidence.
A few moments later, French referee Francois Letexier awarded Real Madrid a penalty after Declan Rice appeared to have fouled Mbappe in the box.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, he reversed his initial decision, to the dismay of Real Madrid players and the home fans.
Bukayo Saka redeemed himself as he gave Arsenal the lead with a composed finish inside the box in the 65th minute.
Saliba’s error led to Vinicius Jr equalizer two minutes later to give the home fans a glimmer of hope.
However, Gabriel Martinelli shattered the hearts of the Real Madrid faithful as he scored from a devastating counterattack to give Arsenal the win at the Bernabeu.
The Gunners return to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2008/2009 season.
Arsenal will take on French Champions and last season’s semi-finalist Paris Saint-Germain for a place in the final.
