By Adam Bukenya | Thursday, April 17, 2025

Arsenal delivered a defensive masterclass at the Santiago Bernabeu to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years, defeating 15-time European champions Real Madrid 2-1 in the second leg to advance 5-1 on aggregate and face French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Prior to the game, the focus had been on Real’s Remontada, their projected comeback following a 3-0 first-leg loss at Emirates Stadium. But it never happened, as a brilliant Arsenal performance shut down their chances throughout, denying them a shot on goal in the first half of a Champions League home encounter for the first time in over a year.

After only 13 minutes, Arsenal had a fantastic opportunity to seal the tie with a penalty after Raul Asensio had hauled Mikel Merino down to the ground as a corner was taken.

Bukayo Saka stepped up after a VAR check and significant complaints from the Real contingent. However, his attempted Panenka came too close to Thibaut Courtois, who clawed it away.

Arsenal received a lifeline not long after, as a penalty awarded to Real Madrid was overturned after Declan Rice was found to have hauled down Kylian Mbappe.

Though an end-to-end start and a raucous atmosphere appeared to test Arsenal’s resolve, by halftime it was clear that Mikel Arteta’s defensive prowess was enough to stifle an energetic Real Madrid side, who were largely reduced to hopeful but ineffective crosses.

The game came to life shortly after the hour mark, with both teams scoring in the span of three exciting minutes.

Saka was first, and after being expertly passed in by Merino, he made amends for his earlier failed penalty with a delightful dink over an onrushing Courtois, before shushing the fans with a celebration reminiscent of Thierry Henry’s in this exact same fixture in 2006.

However, with the away end still bouncing, Real threatened to turn the tie on its head minutes later when William Saliba was caught in possession by Vinicius Junior, leaving him with an easy finish into a half-empty net.

This could have been a watershed moment, but Arsenal demonstrated the maturity that will be required if they are to progress in this competition, appearing unmoved by the equaliser. If anything, they were refocused, with Los Blancos requiring 25 minutes to have their next shot on target following Vinicius’ goal.

Instead, Arsenal were the most dangerous in the game’s dying minutes, finishing in style in stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli dashed away to put the ball past Courtois after the home team had urgently flooded the attacking half. It was a nice breakaway goal.

There were many outstanding performances from the Arsenal side in this game, but Rice’s effect will be remembered in years to come. He truly established himself as one of the world’s top midfielders, winning the first leg with two famous free kicks and then putting in an outstanding defensive effort in the second leg, with two tackles and a game-high four interceptions.

“He was decisive today in a different way,” Arteta explained. “I believe it was huge. His presence, the power he shown, and his poise, with or without the ball, I believe he led the team in many times and turned the game in our favour.

“That’s why we need players at his level to step up and have a big contribution, and he certainly has done that.”

Arsenal will need more of the same from Rice when they face PSG in the next round, especially with Thomas Partey sidelined for the first match after receiving a late yellow card.

“Without Pep, I wouldn’t be here.”
Arteta also disclosed that, like with the first leg, he communicated with his old employer, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, prior of the game.

“I called him this morning,” Arteta explained. “Because my presence here is largely due to his efforts.

“He’s been a huge inspiration to me. I had four wonderful years with him and will always be grateful to him. Without him, I would not be here.”

Can Arsenal repeat their success over PSG?
Arsenal had beaten the Parisians this season, but Rice told TNT Sports after the game that he saw them as a different team than the one who lost 2-0 at Emirates Stadium in October.

PSG has only lost twice in 2025, both times at the hands of English opponents. The first occurred at home to Liverpool in March and the second away to Aston Villa on Tuesday night, but that did not prevent them from eliminating both teams from the competition.

Arsenal, who are 13 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool but nine points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, can now focus only on ensuring their squad is in peak shape for the semi-finals.

Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain
First leg: Arsenal vs PSG, Tuesday, April 29, 20:00 BST.
Second leg: PSG vs Arsenal, Wednesday, May 7, 20:00 BST.

The first match will take place following Matchweek 34 of the Premier League, while the second leg will follow Matchweek 35.