In a gripping encounter on Wednesday night, Arsenal demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill to secure a 2-1 victory against Champions League holders Real Madrid, culminating in a commanding 5-1 aggregate win that propelled them into the semi-finals. This marks a significant achievement for the Gunners, as it is their first appearance in the Champions League semi-finals since 2009, setting the stage for an exhilarating clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the next round.

The foundation for Arsenal's success was laid during the first leg of the quarter-finals, where they achieved a vital 3-0 victory in London last week. This cushion provided them with the confidence needed as they faced the formidable challenge of playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, known for its rich history and the intimidating atmosphere that often aids Real Madrid's legendary comebacks.

Bukayo Saka, despite having missed a penalty earlier in the match, opened the scoring for Arsenal with a composed finish. His initial setback only fueled his determination to contribute to his team's success. However, Real Madrid's response came swiftly; Vinicius Junior managed to equalize, showcasing the 15-time Champions League winners' ability to create chances. Nevertheless, Real Madrid's hopes of turning the tie around were thwarted as they struggled to penetrate Arsenal's disciplined defense, ultimately succumbing to a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli, who sealed the victory in stoppage time.

Declan Rice, a pivotal player in Arsenal's midfield, reflected on the match by stating, "We knew we were going to suffer but we knew we were going to win." He emphasized the significance of the night for the club, calling it historic and expressing the team's ambition to lift the coveted Champions League trophy. This victory also marks a notable shift for Arsenal, who have yet to claim the Champions League title, despite their storied history.

On the other hand, Real Madrid appeared a shadow of their former selves, having lifted both the Champions League and La Liga titles last season. Their inability to mount a serious challenge in this tie raised questions about the team's current form and competitiveness. Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, acknowledged Arsenal's superiority, stating, "We lost against a superior Arsenal, and we have to accept it." Coach Carlo Ancelotti echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the bitter disappointment of the evening and lamenting the loss.

In the early moments of the match, Kylian Mbappe had what seemed to be a promising start, scoring a chested goal, only to discover he was offside. Attempting to rally the crowd, he gestured for more support, hoping to ignite the miraculous energy that often propels Real Madrid to victory at home. The match included some contentious moments, such as a penalty awarded to Arsenal after a VAR review, in which Mikel Merino was fouled in the box. Saka's attempt was a poorly executed Panenka that was easily saved by Courtois, providing Madrid with a moment of encouragement.

Conversely, when Real Madrid was awarded a penalty after Rices tackle on Mbappe, VAR intervened again, and after a thorough review, the decision was overturned, much to the relief of the visiting fans. This disruption in play, along with Arsenal's strategic clock management, kept Madrid from gaining any real momentum throughout the match.

Martin Odegaard, who previously spent time at Real Madrid, played a crucial role in Arsenal's opening goal, showcasing his playmaking ability. He combined brilliantly with Merino, who delivered a perfectly timed pass to Saka, allowing him to redeem himself with a deft finish. Just when it seemed Arsenal was on course for a comfortable victory, Real Madrid found an unexpected lifeline. Saliba's lapse in concentration allowed Vinicius to intercept and score, temporarily reigniting Madrid's hopes.

However, the momentum was short-lived as Mbappe suffered an ankle injury and was forced to leave the pitch, dashing Madrid's remaining hopes. Martinelli's late goal confirmed Arsenal's progression to the semi-finals, much to the delight of their fans. Mikel Arteta expressed immense pride in his team's performance, stating, "Not only because we are in the semi-final, but also for the manner and the way we did it." He acknowledged the character of his players and highlighted the significance of this victory in the club's history.

With this win, Arsenal not only continues their journey in the Champions League but also signals their resurgence as a competitive force in European football, looking ahead to their clash with PSG with high hopes.