Arsenal’s systematic dismantling of Real Madrid showed a team that is coming of age

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Arsenal are conquerors of Real Madrid.

Two legs, two wins, five goals scored and one clear conclusion: Mikel Arteta’s team are Champions League contenders once again.

This 2-1 victory in the Bernabeu, following on from last week’s 3-0 thrashing in London, sets up Arsenal’s first semi-final in the competition since 2009. A mouthwatering tie against Paris Saint-Germain awaits, and beyond that the lure of a shot at the biggest prize in European football. A season that had threatened to slip away is now very much alive.

After seven days of speculation about a potential comeback, of portentous invocations of a possible “remontada”, Arsenal exposed the mythology around this Real Madrid team to be little more than that. This was a comprehensive triumph; a systematic dismantling of Madrid’s aura.

Arsenal rode the storm of the Bernabeu, and looked comfortable doing it. They managed to block out the shrieking whistles of the Madrid fans — and the set-back of Bukayo Saka’s saved penalty — and emerge victorious.

(David Ramos/Getty Images)

Saka redeemed himself with Arsenal’s opening goal, a beautiful clipped finish after a through-ball from Mikel Merino. For months now, Saka had earmarked this Real Madrid tie for a remontada of his own — an opportunity to restate his credentials on the European stage after months sidelined with injury.

It was fitting that Gabriel Martinelli should be Arsenal’s match-winner. In darker times, he and Saka offered Arsenal hope of a brighter future. A result like this is that future realised.

Arteta was asked in his post-match press conference whether he had ever felt prouder of his players. “Probably not,” he replied. “Not only because we’re in the semi-final for the third time in our history, but also for the manner and the way we did it. Not only by the way we played, but also with the circumstances, the amount of injuries that we had. So I think overall, I think it shows the character of this team, of this club, and it’s a night to be very proud of.”

On what the victory meant to him on a personal level, the Arsenal manager said: “It’s reassuring. I’m here to experience these kind of games and to go through them. I know that sometimes you’re going to win, sometimes you’re going to lose, so be very critical with yourself.

“But there are things that we can still do much better, and I have to help the team to do better. But the biggest pride is when I look at them and I talk to them how convinced they feel. That’s a big part of our job [as] coaches, and that’s why it’s such a joy to work with them.”

(David Ramos/Getty Images)

There was some of the customary chaos associated with Madrid and the Champions League: Saka’s botched panenka, an overturned penalty decision against Declan Rice, an uncharacteristic defensive error from William Saliba to gift Madrid their goal, and a needless late booking for Thomas Partey that will see him miss the first leg of the semi-final.

But throughout, Arsenal played with a conviction that suggests they believe this may be their time. 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly looked utterly at ease in just his 20th senior start. Jakub Kiwior deputised for the injured Gabriel without missing a beat.

Saka was a constant menace, Martinelli a tireless runner, while Merino’s development as a centre-forward is a sensational subplot in Arsenal’s season.

A night to remember. This is who we are. pic.twitter.com/bbqSn3KfjE

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 17, 2025

Rice was the game’s outstanding player, dominating his England team-mate Jude Bellingham in the midfield. What little threat Madrid carried dissipated entirely when Kylian Mbappe was forcibly substituted, having been left in a crumpled heap by Arsenal’s £105 million juggernaut.

(David Ramos/Getty Images)

High in the stands, Arsenal’s travelling fans celebrated a second away win at the Bernabeu after their victory in 2006. Just as then, there were few arguments. “Arsenal were better than us in both games,” admitted Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

There is inevitable, understandable discussion about Arsenal’s ongoing wait to win either of the two big prizes — the Premier League and the Champions League. But the focus on the destination, the longing to reach that glorious horizon, should not detract from the landmarks Arsenal are passing along the way.

Arsenal supporters are watching a team and manager come of age. When Arteta arrived five years ago, the club aspired to be in the Champions League — let alone knocking out the holders to reach a semi-final. They have watched a young group grow and mature into an elite team. This season’s Premier League campaign has shown that progress is not always absolutely linear, but step back and the trajectory is inarguable. Silverware is a necessary punctuation, but there is already much to celebrate.

“It’s certainly another massive step,” Arteta said of this victory over Madrid. “Where we finished last year, and the way we’ve done it this year against the team with the highest honours in the competition, it’s incredible.”

If and when Arsenal do land that elusive trophy, this two-legged tie will surely be remembered as a major milestone in that journey.

(Header photo: David Ramos/Getty Images)

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