Arsenal once again embarrassed Real Madrid, this time in front of the opposing team’s ers. The Gunners won 2-1 away to eliminate the defending champions.
Thursday, April 17, 2025, Arsenal visited Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the 2024/2025 Champions League quarter-finals. Mikel Arteta’s squad can be confident with a 3-0 victory in the first leg last week.
This time, Madrid actively attacked, but it was Arsenal who threatened more often. Arsenal’s two goals were scored by Bukayo Saka (65′) and Gabriel Martinelli (90+3′), Madrid had time to reply through Vinicius Junior (67′).
This victory took Arsenal to the semifinals of the 2024/2025 Champions League, where they will face PSG who had already qualified. Real Madrid had to be eliminated.
The match started at a moderate tempo, open play. Madrid took the initiative to attack, Arsenal defended, but looked ready for a counterattack.
In the 10th minute, Arsenal got a penalty for Asencio’s violation. Saka stepped up as the executioner and failed! His shot was weak and was stopped by Courtois. Score 0-0.
In the 28th minute, it was Madrid’s turn to demand a penalty. The match was stopped long enough to check the VAR. The main referee had to check the replay himself and finally decided there was no violation, no penalty.
Madrid brought the ball, but their attacks continued to hit a dead end. Arsenal controlled the rhythm very well. The score 0-0 closed the first 45 minutes of the duel.
Entering the second half, the match did not look much different. Madrid’s attacks continued to hit a dead end. 15 minutes into the match.
In the 65th minute, Arsenal scored a surprise goal. Short es in front of the penalty box were continued with Merino’s breakthrough for Saka. The English winger then chipped the ball past Courtois. Goal! Score 0-1.
In the 67th minute, Madrid immediately equalized. Saliba’s blunder in the penalty box. The ball was stolen by Vinicius who immediately shot. Goal! Score 1-1.
Up until the 80th minute, Madrid continued to try to break down the visiting team’s defense. Arsenal played disciplined, even occasionally threatening with counterattacks.
In the 90+3rd minute, Arsenal scored an additional goal. A quick counterattack scheme. Merino sent a through ball that was chased by Martinelli, faced one-on-one with Courtois, and finished perfectly. Goal! Score 1-2.
