Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka claimed their 2-1 victory in the Bernabeu (which sealed a 5-1 aggregate win for the English club over the Spanish giants in the quarter-finals of the Champions League) was a statement of intent. Leading 3-0 in the Champions League quarters against Real Madrid after the first leg at the Emirates Stadium in London, Arsenal beat the defending champion to reach the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009.
15-time European champions Real Madrid, on the other hand, did not make it to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2020. Defeat means they cannot win their third Champions League title in four seasons.
“We showed that we can play in Europe and beat one of the best teams in the world, home and away. Very proud of this team,” Saka told TNT Sports after the win. “Tonight was a big statement and I am so happy for everyone.”
Saka saw a penalty saved by Real keeper Thibaut Courtois on the night but did score on the 65th minute to give Arsenal the lead on the night. The Gunners saw that one-goal advantage being chopped down very early, with Vinicius Junior scoring their equaliser just two minutes later. At the end of the game, Gabriel Martinelli tied up the game with a bow with a winner.
Talking about the missed penalty, Saka said: “It can happen. I tried something, but it didn’t work. I was confident I was going to score tonight… I learn in every moment. Tonight, I am more focused on enjoying the win and then I will review it properly.”
Arsenal now take on PSG in the semis, who have already sent two English clubs home: Liverpool in the last 16 and Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.
“I see them playing with much more confidence. We will be ready and it will be a very good match,” Saka said.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the win over Real Madrid was one of the best moments of his career.
“I’m really proud of the players. After two or three minutes you realise that anything can happen. We showed tonight we can compete against any team,” Arteta said.
