UEFA Champions League: Arsenal topples Real Madrid and flies to the semi-finals!

The reigning champions, Real Madrid, will not see the UEFA Champions League semi-finals! Defeated 3-0 in the first leg, Carlo Ancelotti's men stumbled again at home against Arsenal (1-2) this Wednesday night.

In just the 3rd minute, Kylian Mbappé thought he had opened the scoring with a cross from Vinicius, but his goal was rightly ruled out for offside.

The Madrid side started the match well, trying to erase their deficit. However, the Gunners were dangerous, and Saka missed a penalty shortly after, brilliantly saved by Courtois.

Real dominated without converting, facing a solid London defense and an unfavorable VAR decision, notably in a contentious play between Rice and Mbappé. Despite their efforts, the Merengues struggled to hit the target.

Solid Arsenal to face PSG in the semi-finals

In the second half, Arsenal struck first: Saka lobbed Courtois after a beautiful team sequence (0-1, 65th minute).

Vinicius quickly equalized (1-1, 68th minute), capitalizing on a mistake by Saliba. But the Madrid side never managed to turn the tide. Mbappé was forced off injured, and Martinelli punished Real on a counterattack at the very end of the match (1-2, 90+3 minutes).

Solid and well-organized, Arsenal earns a well-deserved spot in the final four, alongside PSG.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.