Arsenal End Real Madrid’s Reign with Convincing Aggregate Win
Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 15 years, eliminating holders Real Madrid with a 5-1 aggregate victory. A composed and clinical 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night followed last week’s stunning 3-0 result in London, sealing Arsenal’s return to the competition’s final four.
Despite Madrid’s storied history of comebacks, Arsenal never looked rattled. Declan Rice, speaking after the final whistle, called the moment “historic” and pointed to the squad’s belief built on their first-leg dominance.
“There was a lot of talk about Madrid pulling off another comeback—they’ve done it so many times before. But we came here with confidence and got the job done.”
Missed Opportunities and Key Moments
The first half was marked by high tension and missed chances. Bukayo Saka saw his early penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois, while a potential penalty for Madrid was overturned following a lengthy VAR review.
Arsenal held firm, and midway through the second half, Saka found the breakthrough, finishing a swift move to make it 4-0 on aggregate. Two minutes later, Vinícius Júnior responded, capitalising on a lapse in Arsenal’s backline to claw one back for the hosts.
Madrid pushed forward but failed to find another way through. In stoppage time, substitute Gabriel Martinelli struck on the counterattack to end any lingering doubt, sending Arsenal into the semi-finals in style.
What Lies Ahead
Arsenal will now prepare for a semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, who progressed after edging past Atletico Madrid. On the other side of the bracket, Inter Milan are set to meet Barcelona in a battle of European heavyweights.
The Champions League final will be held on 31 May at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Inter Milan Hold Off Bayern Munich to Reach Last Four
Inter Milan are through to the Champions League semi-finals for the second consecutive season, drawing 3-3 with Bayern Munich on the night to complete a 5-4 aggregate triumph. In a dramatic evening at the San Siro, the Serie A champions responded to an early Bayern fightback with resilience and a pair of rapid goals to take control of the tie.
Bayern wiped out Inter’s 2-1 first-leg advantage early in the second half through a precise finish from Harry Kane. But rather than buckle, Inter found another gear.
Martinez and Pavard Swing Momentum
Lautaro Martínez, ever the poacher, equalised just minutes later from a scrappy corner sequence. Soon after, defender Benjamin Pavard rose highest to head home from Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s delivery, restoring Inter’s lead on aggregate and sending the home fans into raptures.
Bayern continued to push. Eric Dier’s looping header set up a tense final stretch, and substitute Thomas Müller nearly forced extra time in added minutes—only to be denied by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who came up big when it mattered most.
Tempers Flare Late On
The closing moments were marred by frustration from the visitors, with Bayern substitute Josip Stanišić drawing attention for shoving a ballboy in an attempt to retrieve the ball quickly. He later expressed regret:
“It was stupid of me to push him. In moments like that, emotions get the better of you.”
Semi-Final Showdown Set
Inter’s progression sets up a marquee semi-final encounter with Barcelona, with both sides eyeing a return to the pinnacle of European football.
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