Arsenal have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League after a dramatic 2-1 victory over holders Real Madrid in Spain.
The north London side, who became the first English team to win twice at the Bernabeu following their victory there 19 years ago, will face Paris Saint-Germain in the last four after the French side beat Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.
It is the first time since 2009 that the Gunners have reached the semi-final stage of the tournament.
Arsenal went into the second leg of their quarter-final clash on Wednesday with a 3-0 lead but missed the chance to pull further ahead in the 13th minute as winger Bukayo Saka missed a penalty in the Spanish capital.
The hosts were awarded a penalty of their own about 10 minutes later when Kylian Mbappe stumbled under pressure from Declan Rice in the box – but the decision was overturned by VAR.
Saka atoned for his tepid penalty as he chipped the ball past Madrid’s keeper when put through on goal by auxiliary striker Mikel Merino in the 65th minute.
But Arsenal were pegged back just two minutes later as Vinicius Junior caught William Saliba dawdling on the ball and fired Real Madrid level.
Arsenal’s resolute defending kept the home side at bay until Gabriel Martinelli made a late break through the home side’s defence to fire his side ahead again three minutes into injury time, as the Gunners made it 5-1 on aggregate.
‘We knew we were going to win’, says Rice
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has insisted his team are intent on winning the Champions League after their victory.
(L-R) Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Mikel Merino celebrate after the defeat against Real Madrid. Pic: AP
Speaking to TNT Sport, Rice, who was named player of the match, said: “It’s such a special night, a historic one for the club. We have the objective of playing the best and winning the competition.
“We had so much belief and confidence from that first leg and came here to win the game. We knew we were going to suffer but we knew we were going to win. We had it in our minds, then we did it (in) real life. What a night.
“I knew when I signed, this club was on an upward trajectory. It’s been tough in the Premier League but in this competition we’ve done amazingly well.
“This club is going to do some special things over the next few years – we have trust in this manager and we’ve got played like [Myles] Lewis-Skelly coming through. It’s a great mix. It’s PSG next, who are an amazing team.”
Real Madrid forward Mbappe twisted his right ankle during the game and was jeered by part of the crowd after a lacklustre performance.
Mbappe, who is still looking for a first Champions League title, had to be replaced by Brahim Diaz in the 75th minute following his injury.
The other semi-final will be between Barcelona and Inter Milan.
The first legs are set to be played on 29 and 30 April, with the second legs on 6 and 7 May.
The final will be on 31 May.
#Arsenal #reach #Champions #League #semifinal #dramatic #win #Real #Madrid #News
Leave a Reply