Arsenal Defeat Real Madrid to Reach First Champions League Semi-Final Since 2009

Madrid, April 16, 2025 — Arsenal advanced to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years after defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at Santiago Bernabéu. The result, combined with their 3-0 win in the first leg, secured a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 65th minute, finishing a pass from Martin Ødegaard to give Arsenal the lead. Real Madrid responded quickly, equalising in the 67th minute through Vinícius Júnior after a fast counterattack.

Despite the home side’s efforts, Arsenal regained the lead in the final moments of the match. Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 90+3rd minute, again assisted by Ødegaard, sealing the Gunners’ win in the Spanish capital.

The match featured several bookings. David Alaba and Marco Asensio received yellow cards in the first half, while Antonio Rüdiger and Thomas Partey were sent off in the 85th minute due to unsporting behaviour.

Substitutions played a crucial role throughout the match. Real Madrid introduced Dani Ceballos, Fran García, and Endrick, while Arsenal brought on Leandro Trossard, Kieran Tierney, and Oleksandr Zinchenko to maintain control in the closing stages.

Arsenal’s progression to the semi-finals marks their deepest run in the Champions League since 2009, when they were eliminated by Manchester United. The London club now awaits their opponent in the next round.

• Bukayo Saka has now scored 5 goals in the current Champions League campaign.
• Arsenal last played in a UCL semi-final in the 2008–09 season under Arsène Wenger.
• Real Madrid have not been eliminated in the quarter-finals since 2020.
• Martin Ødegaard, once a Real Madrid player, assisted both of Arsenal’s goals against his former club.