Arsenal defeated defending champions Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday to advance to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009. The London club progressed with a 5-1 aggregate score after their 3-0 victory in the first leg last week.
Arsenal will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals.
There was no dramatic comeback for Madrid this time. Unlike previous years, the Spanish giants could not find late goals or magic at the Santiago Bernabeu. This marks the first time since 2020 that Real Madrid has failed to reach the Champions League semifinals.
Madrid’s hopes of staging another famous comeback took a blow early on when a five-minute VAR review overturned a penalty decision for a foul on Kylian Mbappe during a 0-0 draw in the first half. Earlier, Arsenal had been awarded a penalty after a video review, but Bukayo Saka missed his spot kick.
In the second half, Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Saka scored inside the penalty area. Madrid quickly equalized through Vinicius Junior following a defensive error by Arsenal’s William Saliba.
The game was decided in stoppage time when Gabriel Martinelli scored on a breakaway, sealing the 2-1 victory for Arsenal.
Ancelotti’s Future Uncertain After Defeat
This defeat marks Real Madrid’s 12th of the season, a sharp contrast to just two losses last year. After the match, head coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on his future, saying he would accept any decision the club makes about his contract.
“It could be that the club decide to change [coach], it could be this year – or the next when my contract expires, there’s no problem,” Ancelotti told reporters. “The day I leave, I can only thank the club.”
Ancelotti’s future is under scrutiny, with reports linking Madrid to Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso and former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
Despite the setback in the Champions League, Ancelotti noted that Madrid is still fighting for the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup this summer. He praised his team’s attitude but admitted Arsenal’s defense proved too strong.
“Arsenal defended very well. We found it hard to find space. In terms of intensity, we were better, but it was not enough,” Ancelotti said.
Inter Milan Progress to Semifinals After Thrilling Draw
In other Champions League news, Inter Milan also reached the semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich. The second leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the San Siro.
After a goalless first half, Harry Kane scored early in the second half to level the aggregate score. But Lautaro Martinez quickly responded for Inter. Benjamin Pavard then gave Bayern a brief lead, but Eric Dier’s late goal ensured a nervy finish. Inter held on to advance and will face Barcelona in the semifinals.
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