In a thrilling clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, Arsenal successfully held off the formidable challenge posed by Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League holders, securing a remarkable 2-1 victory on Wednesday night. This victory not only propelled the Gunners into the semi-finals but also gave them an impressive 5-1 aggregate triumph over the Spanish giants.

The stage was set after Arsenal's dominant 3-0 victory in the first leg of the quarter-finals just a week prior, which provided them with a significant cushion as they ventured into the heart of Madrid. This achievement marks Arsenal's return to the semi-finals for the first time since 2009, where they will now face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain.

In a match filled with drama, it was Bukayo Saka who rose to the occasion, scoring the opening goal despite his earlier missed penalty. Although Vinicius Junior managed to equalize for Real Madrid, it was not enough to overshadow Arsenal's commanding performance, culminating in a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners, who have yet to lift the coveted Champions League trophy, showcased their resilience and tactical prowess throughout the encounter.

Declan Rice, who had previously stunned with two spectacular free-kicks in the first leg, expressed his joy after the match, stating, "We knew we were going to suffer but we knew we were going to win. It's such a special night for this club; it's a historic night for this club... we want to win this competition." His sentiments echoed the emotions felt by players and fans alike, as they celebrated this monumental victory.

On the other hand, Real Madrid displayed a performance that was markedly less formidable than the one they had put forth during their Champions League and La Liga double triumph the previous season. Despite their illustrious history and a reputation for miraculous comebacks, the Los Blancos were unable to penetrate Arsenal's disciplined defense. Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, acknowledged their shortcomings, stating, "We lost against a superior Arsenal and we have to accept it," while coach Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the bittersweet experience of football, noting, "We've had the happy part of football many times and then there's the sad part, which is today."

The match saw several significant moments right from the outset. Kylian Mbappe, who had an early opportunity, chested the ball home only to find himself in an offside position. His antics to rally the crowd hinted at the pressure on the home team to spark the kind of magic that often fuels their comeback stories at the Bernabeu. Nevertheless, the match quickly turned as Arsenal was awarded a penalty in a contentious moment prompted by VAR, which led to French referee Francois Letexier reviewing an incident that occurred during an earlier corner.

Raul Asencio was found guilty of pulling back Arsenal forward Mikel Merino in the penalty area, resulting in an opportunity that Saka was unable to convert. His poorly executed Panenka penalty, which veered off-target and was saved by Courtois, seemed to invigorate Real Madrid. They soon found themselves with a penalty of their own when Mbappe went down after a challenge from Rice. However, after a thorough VAR review, the decision was overturned, much to the relief of the Arsenal side.

The interruptions to play, along with Arsenal's tactical delays, hampered Real Madrid's rhythm, allowing Arsenal to maintain control of the game. Notably, Raya, Arsenal's goalkeeper, did not face a single shot on target in the first half, highlighting the effectiveness of their defensive strategy.

As the match progressed, it was Martin Odegaard, who once shone as a 'wonderkid' in the Madrid ranks, who played a pivotal role in creating Arsenal's first goal in the 65th minute. He linked up beautifully with Merino, who delivered a precise pass to Saka. This time, Saka made no mistake, finishing with an exquisite dink to put Arsenal ahead.

With a four-goal lead in the overall tie, Arsenal appeared to let their guard down, leading to a moment of laxity from defender William Saliba. Vinicius Junior capitalized on this slip, stealing the ball and equalizing just two minutes after Saka's opener, momentarily rekindling hope for the home side.

However, as the match neared its conclusion, Reals hopes were further dashed when star player Mbappe was forced to leave the pitch due to an ankle injury with just 15 minutes left on the clock. It was Martinelli who sealed the fate of the match, scoring a composed finish after being set up by Merino, solidifying Arsenals place in the semi-finals.

Reflecting on the significant achievement, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed immense pride in his team, saying, "Not only because we are in the semi-final but also for the manner and the way we did it. I think, overall, it shows the character of this team, of this club, and it's a night to be very proud of." As Arsenal progresses in the Champions League, the football world will be watching closely, eager to see if they can finally lift that elusive trophy.