Arsenal knocked out Real Madrid from the Champions league race to semifinal. Arsenal displayed a dominant performance in both legs of the quarterfinal against Real Madrid. The gunners won the second leg by 2 goals to 1 against the Los Blancos. Overall, Arsenal won by an commanding aggregate of 5-1 against Real Madrid. Winning by 3 -0 in their own home turf in the first leg. This win boosted the gunners chances to win the trophy. By also ensuring they reach their first semifinal since 2009 in the Champions league.
Match Summary of Arsenal and Real Madrid:
Before the match there was huge expectations from both the Madrid fans and players to complete a ‘remontada’. As the team has a record of doing such things in the past seasons. The game started with a great intensity from the Madrid players in first 15 minutes. As Madrid aimed for an early turnaround with a goal. Kylian Mbappe found the net in the opening minutes, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Despite this Arsenal maintained their composure with not just sitting back but also attacking. That led to Arsenal earning a penalty caused by a Raul Asencio’s foul on Mikel Merino. But Bukayo Saka’s paneka attempt went all wrong, allowing Thibaut Courtois to save. Madrid were also given a penalty on foul by Rice on Mbappe. Later that was striped due to referee’s wrong call. Real Madrid did not had a shot one target on the first half. From then on it was all Arsenal, Saka redeemed himself in the second half with a brilliant goal outsmarting the Madrid’s back four. But minutes later Madrid equalized by Vinicius Junior with a rare mistake by William Saliba. Other than that Madrid attacking chances were neutralize by Arsenal impressive back and the midline. With Declan Rice being a standout performer dominating the midfield and with timely blocks and intercepts to remove any threat. In the dying minutes of the games Martinelli scored with an counter-attack. Denting Real Madrid hope of winning the tie.
Key Moments:
- Saka’s redemption: After missing an earlier penalty, Saka scored the opening goal, showing his resilience.
- Vinicius Jr’s milestone: His equalizing goal marked his 50th goal involvement in the Champions League, making him the highest scoring Brazilian in Madrid’s history.
- Rice dominance: Declan Rice was awarded the Player of the match due to his dominant in not just the second leg but in both the legs. With his crucial blocks and intercepts denying Madrid any chances to score.
- Martinelli’s late goal: His late counterattack goal dented Madrid’s hope of winning the match. Ensuring Arsenal progressed in the semifinal.
Manager Reactions of Real Madrid and Arsenal:
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta praises his side defensive resilience in overcoming the Madrid test. He emphasized maintaining this performance heading into the next challenge against PSG. Arteta in the post match conference also highlighted that Carlo Ancelotti expected Arsenal to win the Champions League after this performance.
Carlo Ancelotti on the other hand has faced a backlash from the Madrid fans after the sides disappointing performance in the both the games. Ancelotti has been already a subject of criticism this season with not being fully able to utilize the present squad filled with potential. With the addition of talents like Mbappe, Enrick this season. Many fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the manger with the demand for a new manger to change the scenario next season. Carlo as one more year left for his contract to run out and he has expressed his desire to work till the end of the contract.
Looking ahead:
Arsenal’s win over the reigning champions display their growing influence in European football since the times of Henry and Wenger. As they look forward to a tough tie against the French champions, PSG. With the aim to win their first European Champions league title.
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