Gabriel Martinelli capped a ruthless performance as Arsenal dispatched holders, Real Madrid 2-1 (5-1 aggregate) to book their first UEFA Champions League semifinal berth in 16 years.
Coming into the second leg with a 3-0 advantage, Mikel Arteta’s side silenced a buzzing Bernabéu and global talk of a Real remontada with ice-cold composure and lethal counterattacks, sending shockwaves through Europe by eliminating the 15-time champions.
SAKA STUMBLES, THEN SOARS
Bukayo Saka’s redemption arc took center stage early.
Awarded a 13th-minute penalty after Raúl Asencio clumsily pulled down Mikel Merino in the box, the 23-year-old’s attempted Panenka was easily read by Thibaut Courtois—drawing immediate comparisons to his infamous Euro 2020 final miss.
And yet, just over 50 minutes later, Saka showed nerves of steel.
Timing his run to perfection, he latched onto Merino’s through ball, lifted a delicate finish over Courtois and wheeled away in celebration—his redemption complete.
That goal effectively killed the tie, as Arsenal moved 4-0 ahead on aggregate. But the night had more twists to come.
VINÍ STRIKES, BUT TOO LITTLE TOO LATE
Real’s only real glimmer came in the 67th minute when William Saliba, otherwise magnificent, dawdled on the ball.
Vinícius Júnior pounced, stole it, and fired past David Raya to give the hosts fleeting hope.
But Madrid’s fire fizzled out as quickly as it ignited. Kylian Mbappé, tightly marked all evening by Ben White and Saliba, failed to register a single shot on target and limped off in the 75th minute, adding injury to elimination.
MARTINELLI DELIVERS THE DAGGER
With Madrid throwing bodies forward, the inevitable came.
Martinelli raced clear in stoppage time, latching onto a long ball and slotting calmly past Courtois to spark wild celebrations on the Arsenal bench.
The Brazilian’s strike ensured a 2-1 win on the night and sealed a historic 5-1 aggregate demolition.
This was not just a win — it was a statement.
ARTETA’S CROWNING NIGHT
Arteta, often scrutinized for his lack of experience at the top table, masterfully outwitted Carlo Ancelotti across both legs.
With key players like Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Jesus missing through injury, and no recognized striker available, Arsenal’s compactness, balance and tactical discipline shone.
Arteta’s Arsenal will now face PSG in their first UCL semifinal since 2009.
They’ll do so without Thomas Partey, suspended for the first leg after a late shove on Dani Ceballos.
Declan Rice, however, will be available after VAR reversed both the penalty and booking he received for a challenge on Mbappé.
REAL MADRID LEFT EMPTY-HANDED IN EUROPE
Madrid, who have long relied on European magic to mask domestic inconsistencies, were blunt and unimaginative.
Bellingham, Tchouaméni, and Valverde failed to create from midfield, and Rodrygo’s substitution before the hour marked the end of any serious threat.
Even Ancelotti’s defensive gamble — starting David Alaba and Lucas Vázquez at fullback — backfired spectacularly.
Both were torched by Saka and Martinelli before being hooked just after the hour.
Vinícius’ goal may have salvaged pride, but it did little to ease the pain of a rare Bernabéu humiliation.
SEMIFINAL DREAMS, SILVERWARE REALITIES
While Arsenal march on with belief, Real Madrid are left licking their wounds.
They still have LaLiga (where they trail Barcelona by four points) and the Copa del Rey final (also against Barça) left to play, but this loss will sting.
The 15-time kings of Europe have been dethroned — and by a side many dismissed as inexperienced and underpowered just months ago.
INTER ALSO THROUGH AFTER SAN SIRO THRILLER
Elsewhere, Inter Milan advanced with a tense 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, winning 4-3 on aggregate.
Lautaro Martínez and Benjamin Pavard were the heroes, with the Italians still chasing a historic treble under Simone Inzaghi.
Inter will meet Barcelona in the other semifinal, as the road to Wembley now features PSG, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Inter — four clubs chasing modern glory and one glittering prize.
FINAL FOUR SET – THE ROAD TO ALLIANZ ARENA
Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain
Barcelona vs Inter Milan
With Real Madrid out, a new champion will be crowned — and if Arsenal keep playing like this, it might just be their year.
