Arsenal concludes Real Madrid’s reign with a compelling overall victory
Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 15 years, eliminating holder Real Madrid with a 5-1 total. A 2-1 victory in composition and clinical at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night sealed Arsenal back in the final four of the competition following an astounding 3-0 result in London last week.
Despite Madrid’s storied comeback history, Arsenal didn’t look rattle. Speaking after the final whistle, Declan Rice called the moment “historical” and pointed to the squad’s beliefs built on the control of their first leg.
“There was a lot of talk about Madrid pulling away from another comeback.
I missed opportunities and important moments
The first half was marked by high tension and the possibility of missing out. Bucayo Saka saw an early penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois, but Madrid’s potential penalty was overturned after a lengthy VAR review.
Arsenal was held firmly, and midway through the second half Saka found a breakthrough and finished a quick move to make it 4-0 in total. Two minutes later, Vinícius Júnior responded, taking advantage of Arsenal’s revocation of the backline to close one back for the host.
Madrid moved forward, but could not find another way. At halt time, substitute Gabriel Martinelli fought back to end his lingering suspicion.
What’s ahead
Arsenal prepares for a semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, who has made progress after passing Atletico Madrid. On the other side of the bracket, Inter Milan is scheduled to meet Barcelona in a European heavyweight battle.
The Champions League final will be held on May 31st at Allianz Arena in Munich.
Inter Milan beat Bayern Munich to reach the final four
Inter Milan advanced to the Champions League semifinals for the second consecutive season, drawing 3-3 against Bayern Munich in the evening to complete a 5-4 overall victory. On a dramatic night at Sanshiro, the Serie A champion responded to an early Bayern fight with resilience and quick targets to control the tie.
Bayern wiped out Inter’s 2-1 first parliament advantage early in the second half through an accurate finish from Harry Kane. However, Inter found another gear rather than a buckle.
The momentum of Martinez and Pavard Swing
Poacher Lautaro Martinez went from a crude corner sequence to equality just minutes later. Shortly afterwards, defender Benjamin Pavado rose to the highest to return home from Hakan Chalhanor delivery, restored Inter’s total and sent home fans to the Rapture.
Bayern kept pushing. Eric Deer’s loop header set up a tense final stretch, and alternative Thomas Muller almost forced the extra time in a few minutes.
Temperament is late and flares
The closing moment was eroding by frustration from visitors, and Bayern substitute Josip Stanisic attracted attention for pushing the ball boy in an attempt to quickly retrieve the ball. He later expressed regret:
“It was stupid to me to push him. At such moments, emotions make you better.”
Semi-final showdown set
Inter’s progression sets a marquee semi-final encounter with Barcelona, with both sides looking to return to the pinnacle of European football.
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