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:
Real Madrid line-up to face Arsenal
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Ascensio, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
'It's a night made for Real Madrid'
Jude Bellingham on what the most repeated word in the Real Madrid dressing room has been this week:
"Comeback.
“I've heard it a million times, watched many videos... it motivates us a lot. It's a night made for Real Madrid. It's something that people are familiar with, and there's no need to add anything else.
“We want to add to the club's history, and [tonight] is a big day for us."
Jude Bellingham eyes historic Real Madrid comeback against Arsenal
Jude Bellingham is confident Real Madrid can overturn a 3-0 first-leg Champions League deficit against Arsenal on Wednesday to book their place in the last four.
Real were left stunned by the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium last week after Declan Rice scored two outstanding free-kicks to leave Carlo Ancelotti’s side with a mountainous task.
Jude Bellingham eyes historic Real Madrid comeback against Arsenal
Real Madrid’s Luka Modric buys minority stake in Swansea City
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric appears to be planning for his retirement from football by purchasing a minority stake in Swansea City.
The 39-year-old, whose contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of this season, has taken a non-controlling stake in the Championship side.
Modric has joined shareholders Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and businessman Jason Cohen, after the four bought out former majority owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan last November.
Modric said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.”
Can Real Madrid score four goals against Arsenal?
Arsenal have not conceded three times in a match since a 4-3 win against Luton 16 months ago, and they have not lost by a four-goal margin since they suffered a 4-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in December 2021.
Speaking about beating Madrid, Arteta said: “We have to do it again. And we have to prove it now in this context. And that’s the beauty of it. That’s the challenge and that’s the great thing about sport.
“We’ve shown that we are capable of doing it, and that has to give us reassurance and confidence that we can do it. But now, let’s talk on the pitch, do it on the pitch, and that’s the only thing that matters.”
Arteta on Madrid's belief in a comeback
"It's part of their history and they've earned the right to talk about these scenarios,” said Arteta when asked about Real Madrid’s focus on still making it through to the semi-finals.
“Our mindset is different in how we have the best chance to be better than them. I think it is exciting. We have never won this competition, and we are trying to do something now where we can dominate."
'The emotional aspect is significant'
Arteta expanding on his mindset for tonight’s match and explained: "The emotional aspect is very significant.
“I have a lot of reassurance from what the team has done all season, in positive contexts and in difficult contexts.
“We are going to enjoy playing any kind of game. The mindset is to be brave, to be dominant and have the conviction that we can be better than them and win the game."
Arsenal's mindset is to win
Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal won’t sit back and hold on to their lead when they head to Madrid tonight.
Most of the pre-match build-up has been about Real Madrid overturning their deficit and winning the game but Arteta says the Gunners have a similar mindset.
He said: “We have the same mindset.
“The mindset is to win, to be brave, to be bold, dominant, to be determined and to have the conviction that we can be better than them and win the game.
“That is the message I have conveyed to the players. They did that in London and now we have to do it in a different context tomorrow.”
Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal’s mindset ahead of Real Madrid second leg
Mikel Arteta insists a ‘bold and brave’ Arsenal do not fear Real Madrid and wants his side to secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals by beating the Spanish giants in their own back yard.
Arsenal will take on Carlo Ancelotti’s team in the second leg of their quarter-final at the Bernabeu with a three-goal advantage following Declan Rice’s remarkable free-kick double at the Emirates Stadium last week.
However, the 15-time European Cup winners have a habit of impressive turnarounds – against the might of Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich – all in recent seasons.
Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal’s mindset ahead of Real Madrid second leg
Real Madrid vs Arsenal prediction
Real Madrid won’t go down easily and the atmosphere inside the Bernabeau will inspire them to fight ferociously to overcome the three goal deficit. It’ll be a nervous outing for Arsenal but a goal should settle them down and they will have enough defensive quality to sneak into the semi-finals.
Real Madrid 3-1 Arsenal (Arsenal to progress 4-3 on aggregate).
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