Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE: Result and reaction after Mikel Arteta’s side book spot in semi-finals with famous win
Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (1-5 agg.): Mikel Arteta’s men held firm before striking late on to secure another outstanding victory
Arsenal held off Real Madrid to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals with another outstanding performance.
Mikel Arteta’s side took a 3-0 lead into the second leg in the Spanish capital after a sublime showing at home last week, and knew anything bar a total collapse would be enough to take them through to the last four. It appeared they had made the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), only for Bukayo Saka’s chipped effort from the spot to be saved by Thibaut Courtois.
The visitors were then grateful again for VAR’s intervention after Declan Rice was deemed to have fouled Kylian Mbappe, only for the referee to overturn his decision after consulting the screen. Real Madrid created reasonably few chances thereafter in a lacklustre showing, allowing Saka to atone with a cute finish in the second half to make Arsenal’s position even more secure. Though Vinicius Jr replied rapidly, there was not to be any of Real Madrid’s usual conjuring in this competition as Arsenal held firm for a famous European success, with Gabriel Martinelli adding gloss and securing a victory on the night in stoppage time.
Re-live all the Champions League action with our live blog below:
Rice on penalty incident with Mbappe
One of the earlier talking points of the game was the Real Madrid penalty awarded against Declan Rice who was judged to have pulled down Kylian Mbappe.
After a five minute delay for VAR the decision was overturned.
Rice explained his thoughts on the incident saying: “I knew it wasn’t a penalty. Don’t get me wrong I had my arm on him but you have to do that in the box. I knew it wasn’t a penalty, I’m an honest guy and I said straight away it wasn’t a pen.
“I said to Vazquez I would admit if I pulled him down but he just fell to the floor. I was confident it would get overturned.
“We just had to stay calm, we were a bit naïve at times, and needed to control the game a bit better. It’s a historic night for the club and I’m lost for words.”
'The club are on an upward trajectory'
Rice also added that Arsenal are growing into a more threatening force and that they can challenge for more trophies in the years to come.
The midfielder revealed: “It’s massive. I sensed it before I signed for the club that we were on an upwards trajectory.
“It’s been tough in the Premier League, this year it has slipped away from us. This club is going to do special things in the next few years.
“Semi-finals is massive for us. We want to take it one step at a time. PSG are next, who are an amazing team.”
'It's a special night'
Declan Rice was given the player of the match award for his performance this evening.
He spoke to TNT Sports after the game and was very pleased with his achievement having also won the award during the first leg at the Emirates.
Rice said: “Back-to-back! It is just such a special night for this club, a historic night for this club. We want to win this competition.
“There was a lot of talk coming here about them coming back because they’ve done it so many times before, but we knew we were going to suffer, and we knew we were going to win.
“What a night for the club.”
Reaction from Ally McCoist
The former Rangers striker and TNT Sports pundit said:
“Those lads deserve to win the game. For me, they have deserved to go get a winning goal.
“That was the mismatch of the season - Gabriel Martinelli against Fran Garcia.
“Nobody can tell me that they don't deserve to win the game tonight.”
FT Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (1-5 agg)
FT Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (1-5 agg)
Arsenal head into the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years.
They join Barcelona, PSG and Inter Milan who have beaten Bayern Munich on aggregate this evening.
Full-time! Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (1-5 agg)
90+5 mins: There goes the whistle.
It was very comfortable in the end. Arsenal have beaten Real Madrid twice in two legs to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
To a man the Gunners have been incredible in their last two matches with the European champions.
Real Madrid were never in the tie tonight.
Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (1-5 agg) - Gabriel Martinelli, 90+3'
Game and tie over!
A sharp break from Arsenal sees Gabriel Martinelli played in behind Fran Garcia.
He drives up the pitch and into the box before slotting the ball past Thibaut Courtois to put the Gunners ahead!
Real Madrid 1-1 Arsenal (1-4 agg)
90 mins: A decent effort from Brahim Diaz on the right side of the box is smothered by David Raya.
There are resigned faces on the Madrid mans and players. This one isn’t going to go their way.
Five minutes of added time to play.
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