UEFA Champions League: Arsenal Humiliate Real Madrid 5-1 On Aggregate
- Bag Semi-final ticket to face PSG
- Inter survive Bayern scare in Milan
It was indeed a historic night at Santiago Bernabeu as Arsenal beat Real Madrid 2-1 to secure a stunning 5-1 aggregate victory over the 15-time European champions and book their spot in the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint Germain (PSG).
The dream evening had the Gunners working hard and never looked like surrendering the 3-0 lead they took into the second leg following their convincing win over Carlo Ancelotti’s side in north London last week.
However, they did endure a nervy period in the first half after Bukayo Saka had seen his tamed penalty saved by Madrid’s goal-tender, Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid were awarded a penalty of their own soon after as Declan Rice was adjudged to have pulled down Kylian Mbappe, only for the decision to be reversed after a long VAR check.
In routing the Cup holders to end their 16-year wait for a Champions League semi-final appearance, the English side had named an unchanged side from their 3-0 first-leg win in London.
On their part, Madrid restored Aurélien Tchouaméni after a ban – replacing the suspended Eduardo Camavinga – and brought in Lucas Vázquez for Luka Modrić, allowing Federico Valverde to advance to midfield.
If the visitors’ selection reflected a desire to continue where they left off, their bright start answered that wish very clearly.
The key creative presence of Saka proved Arsenal’s greatest threat, arrowing a fierce shot wide before forcing Keeper Thibaut Courtois to beat his drive from distance away.
Saka’s best chance of the half would arrive shortly afterwards when Raúl Asencio was adjudged to have impeded Mikel Merino inside the penalty area, only for Courtois to turn the England international’s chipped penalty behind and revive the chants of belief emanating from home fans who had been used to seeing their side secure sensational comebacks in the competition.
On the whole, Mikel Arteta enjoyed his biggest moment as Arsenal manager on Wednesday night as the Gunners perfectly drilled and frustrated Madrid to see out the tie.
In Milan, Bayern Munich went crashing out of the Champions League despite Harry Kane and Eric Dier’s best efforts in a 2-2 draw against home side, Inter.
The England striker’s fine finish counted for nothing as Inter’s two-goal salvo ended the German Champions League dream.
As the match wore on, Thomas Muller looked capable of a spectacular finish, diverting a header towards goal deep into stoppage time, but Yann Sommer stopped it as Inter booked their place in the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win.
With the result Inter now go on to meet Barcelona in the semi-finals, while Bayern continue their march to the Bundesliga title playing against Heidenheim this weekend.
