In a thrilling semi-finals of the Champions League, Arsenal triumphed over defending champions Real Madrid 2-1, marking their first appearance in the semifinals since 2009.
The match was significantly influenced by VAR, which played a crucial role in two penalty calls.
With an aggregate score of 5-1, following a 3-0 victory in the first leg in London last week, Arsenal has kept its hopes alive for winning Europe’s top club competition for the first time.
They will now go on to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals.
This defeat means Real Madrid, the reigning champions and record holders with 15 titles, will miss the semifinals for the first time since 2020.
They were aiming for their third Champions League title in four years, as reported by BBC Sports.
Their chances of a comeback on Wednesday, which they have accomplished in the past, took a significant blow when a five-minute VAR review reversed a penalty decision for a foul on Kylian Mbappe in the first half while the score was still 0-0.
Arsenal was initially given a penalty after a video review, but Bukayo Saka failed to convert it. However, Saka managed to put Arsenal in the lead in the 65th minute.
Real Madrid could only respond with an equalizer from Vinicius Junior shortly after, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by William Saliba.
Gabriel Martinelli sealed Arsenal’s win with a goal during a counterattack three minutes into stoppage time.
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This marked Real Madrid’s 12th defeat of the season, a stark contrast to the mere two losses they faced last season.
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed reporters after the match, suggesting a change in management could occur, whether this year or when his contract expires next year.
He expressed gratitude toward the club, stating, “The day that I leave here, I can only thank the club,” adding that it could happen at any time, but his appreciation remains unchanged regardless of his contract status.
Madrid has been associated with Bayer Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso, a former player for Los Blancos, as well as ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Ancelotti mentioned that his team is still competing for LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup this summer.
“The squad showed great effort, but we fell short,” Ancelotti commented following the loss to Arsenal.
“Truthfully, Arsenal defended exceptionally. We struggled to find space; we had the upper hand in intensity, but it wasn’t sufficient.”
Inter Milan advanced to the semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich after an exciting 2-2 draw in the second leg of their quarterfinal match at the San Siro.
After a scoreless first half, Harry Kane gave Bayern the lead shortly after the break, leveling the aggregate score, but just six minutes later, Lautaro Martinez scored for Inter.
Inter appeared to have secured their victory just three minutes later when Benjamin Pavard scored with a header from a corner. However, Bayern kept the tension alive for the home supporters by scoring through Eric Dier with 14 minutes left on the clock.
Despite facing intense pressure in the closing moments, the hosts managed to hold on and progressed to the semifinals, where they will meet Barcelona, while the Serie A leaders remain on track to achieve a treble.
