Arsenal knocked out reigning champions Real Madrid from the Champions League in a 5-1 aggregate win, with Mikel Arteta calling it one of his finest nights in football. The Gunners now face PSG in the semi-finals as they chase European glory and aim to make club history.
Mikel Arteta described Arsenal's stunning Champions League triumph over Real Madrid as “one of the best nights” of his managerial career. The Gunners produced a composed and clinical performance across two legs to eliminate the defending champions with a 5-1 aggregate win, capped off by a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arsenal entered the second leg with a healthy 3-0 advantage from the Emirates but remained cautious against a team steeped in European pedigree. Despite an early penalty miss by Bukayo Saka, the visitors held their nerve. Saka redeemed himself with a well-taken goal before Gabriel Martinelli sealed the result late on.
Speaking after the match, an emotional Arteta praised his team’s courage and execution. “To beat a club with the stature and history of Madrid, and to do it in their backyard, is something very special,” he said. “We had to stay composed, and the players delivered.”
The result leaves Arsenal as the Premier League’s last representative in this year’s Champions League. They now prepare for a high-stakes semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Arteta acknowledged the challenge ahead, but emphasized the belief within his squad.
Even Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti offered gracious praise post-match, reportedly wishing Arteta luck for the remainder of the tournament.
The Gunners will host PSG at the Emirates on April 29 before heading to Paris for the return leg on May 7, with a place in the final firmly in sight.
