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Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka celebrated his team’s strength after they beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League. This win, at Madrid’s home, gave Arsenal a 5-1 win overall. Saka, who missed a penalty but scored first, said Arsenal showed their resilience and shut down critics on the big stage.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In the quarter-final second leg at the Bernabéu, Arsenal started with a 3-0 lead from their first meeting with Real Madrid. Early on, Saka missed a penalty, but scored the opener in the 65th minute. Vinícius Júnior equalized later, but Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win in added time. Saka said the team ignored social media pressure about a comeback and showed how strong they are. “We saw everyone doubting us on social media, but we showed our mentality,” he said. “We should be proud.” Arsenal progressed to their first Champions League semi-final in 16 years, taking their tally to seven wins and one draw in their last eight matches.
BIG PICTURE
This is a big result for Arsenal and Saka. The team have scored 30 Champions League goals this season — already a club record. Saka has been central to their success, emphasising his importance to the club and their return to European elite status. Their ruthless mentality contrasts with previous continental disappointments, highlighting a new era under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal outclassing historically the most successful side in the competition underlines their transformation into legitimate contenders.
WHAT NEXT?
Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals, with the first leg taking place at the Emirates in April. Domestically, they are in the Premier League title race, behind Liverpool by 13 points and only 3 ahead of 3rd place Newcastle. They play Ipswich on the weekend who are fighting to avoid relegation to the Championship.
