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 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
45+3 mins: There are seven minutes of added time to play in the first half.
If Arsenal can get into the break without conceding that will be a huge achievement and move them one step closer to the semi-finals.
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
45 mins: Arsenal have been under a bit of pressure at the back but Lewis-Skelly’s clearance is sent up towards Saka.
He gets to the ball first who is then bungled to the ground by Lucas Vazquez.
The free kick relieves a bit of the pressure on the Gunners.
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
42 mins: A Real Madrid corner is swung into the penalty area but David Raya pushes his way through the crowd to punch the ball out of play.
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
39 mins: Real Madrid’s intensity has been drained slightly as the stop-start nature of the match is playing into Arsenal’s favour.
The Gunners are trying to slow the tempo, control possession and limit the pace at which Real can attack them.
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
36 mins: Martin Odegaard floats a free kick into the box after Antonio Rudiger takes out Mikel Merino.
The ball drops to Jurrien Timber who spins and shoots with his first touch but only manages to lift the ball over the top of the crossbar.
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
33 mins: Mbappe takes a shot from a long way out and fizzes it wide of the far post. David Raya seemingly had it covered.
Arsenal need to remain switched on as there’ll be plenty of time added on to this half now too.
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
30 mins: Declan Rice has had a reprieve as well. That booking, which has now bee rescinded, would have meant he missed the first leg of the semi-final if Arsenal get there.
The Real Madrid fans boo the referee’s decision but it was the right one.
Kylian Mbappe was trying to buy the penalty from the official.
It took way too long to come to the decision though, it was five minutes to decide.
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
27 mins: No penalty!
This VAR check is taking a long, long time.
It’s almost been four minutes and there may be an offside in the build up. The referee has been sent to the pitchside screen again.
He watches the replays and decides that the penalty shouldn’t be given!
Penalty to Real Madrid!
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
23 mins: Oh hello!
A free kick is whipped into the Arsenal penalty area and comes towards Kylian Mbappe.
Declan Rice has his arms on the forward who easily goes to ground.
The referee points to the spot and puts Rice in the book with a yellow card as well.
VAR is checking this one too but the feeling is that this will stand, soft as it may be.
Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal (0-3 agg)
21 mins: A top quality flick from Rodrygo gets the ball into the box and the feet of Mbappe.
He checks to the right but is marshalled off the ball by William Saliba who guards it and lets it run out for a goal kick.
Arsenal are going to have to do a lot of defending tonight.
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