Arsenal beat Real Madrid 5:1 in the Champions League!

Arsenal football shirts secured an impressive 2-1 away win at Real Madrid in the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals and eliminated the defending champion with an aggregate 5-1 after the home and away games. For the first time in 16 years, Arsenal are back in the Champions League semi-finals. This victory marks not only a turning point in the club’s journey back to the pinnacle of Europe, but also demonstrates the team’s tactical, efficient and mental strength. This article analyses the game through events, data and tactical perspectives.

Match report: Controversy and effectiveness go hand in hand

The fight began explosively. The owner scored a goal for Kylian Mbappé from Real Madrid after just two minutes, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review for offside. In the 11th minute Arsenal missed a penalty after Asensio failed to press Merino. But Saka’s Panenka was masterfully blocked by Courtois, who thereby equalled the Real Madrid legend Casillas’ record for the most penalties saved in the Champions League (3). The first half was characterised by high tempo and several VAR decisions with no goals.

After the break, Arsenal took control. In the 64th minute, Merino played a precise through ball to Saka, who burst clear of the offside trap and lifted the ball over Courtois for 1-0. Real Madrid reacted quickly as Vinícius exploited a mistake by Saliba to equalise at 1-1. In extra time, Martinelli struck in the 93rd minute with a cool shot into the far corner after another pass from Merino, and Arsenal secured a 2-1 win and a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Data analysis: Arsenal's effectiveness versus real weaknesses

The statistics underline Arsenal's clinical attacking play. With only four shots on target they scored two goals, a goal-scoring rate of 50 per cent. Real Madrid, however, despite 62 per cent possession, produced 14 shots but only three hit the target. Arsenal's midfielder Declan Rice delivered a masterclass with 96 per cent pass accuracy, 89 per cent duel success and three created chances, and was deservedly named man of the match in both games.

For Real Madrid, the defeat revealed several problems. The team relied on the individual performances of Vinícius and Mbappé, while it lacked control in midfield. According to Opta, this is Real Madrid’s heaviest defeat in a Champions League knockout round (1-5) and the first quarter-final elimination since 2004. Coach Ancelotti’s lack of tactical adjustments contributed to the team’s dominance in La Liga (2.3 goals per game) not being reflected in Europe.

Tactical analysis: Arsenal's maturity against real chaos

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta achieved a tactical triumph. Against Real’s high press, Arsenal used Rice as an anchor in midfield and, through precise long passes and rapid turns, tore the defence apart. Merino’s two assists demonstrated the team’s discipline and ability to exploit spaces. Also defensively Arsenal stood strong despite Saliba’s mistakes, restricting Real’s flow of the game with their high press.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, appeared tactically at a loss. The experienced Modrić struggled with the pace, and the young Bellingham was unable to take control in midfield. Vinícius’ solo run offered some highlights, but the lack of collective interaction was obvious. Real’s poor performance in this match raises doubts about the side’s adaptation to the high pressures of the European Cup.

Fan-Fan-Fan joy: Personalise your Arsenal shirt
This victory has thrilled the Arsenal fans. Whether Saka's breakthrough or Martinelli's decisive goal – the stars of the Gunners deserve to be celebrated. Fans can visit Kitnames to design their own Arsenal kit – either with the name of their favourite player or a unique print. Here you get quality at a fair price, perfect to show your support for the team!

Prospects: Semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain

In the semi-final, Paris Saint-Germain awaits. Historically, has been Cheap jerseys an advantage, as it could play five games without defeat against PSG. The French score an average of 2.8 goals per game in Ligue 1, but their defence (1.2 goals conceded per game) is vulnerable. For Arsenal, this is a golden opportunity to reach the final and fight for the club’s first Champions League title. Arteta's team has shown maturity that gives hope for great things.

This victory is not only a breakthrough after 16 years, but also evidence of Arsenal's return to the elite. Can the Gunners continue to surprise? Time will tell.