Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
In a stunning Champions League quarter-final second leg, Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday night. This victory secured Arsenal’s place in the semi-finals with a dominant 5-1 aggregate win over the Spanish giants.
The opening half was marked by controversial penalty calls. A penalty was initially awarded and then overturned by VAR, while another, confirmed by VAR, was subsequently missed by Bukayo Saka.
Despite the tense atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu, Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock. Saka cleverly chipped the ball past Thibaut Courtois, gaining retribution after the goalkeeper had saved his earlier penalty, extending Arsenal’s aggregate advantage to 4-0.
However, their lead was short-lived. Vinicius Junior capitalised on a defensive error by William Saliba, firing in an equalising goal and raising hopes of a dramatic Real Madrid resurgence.
A comeback was not to materialise. Arsenal cemented their victory with a second goal in the 93rd minute, as Gabriel Martinelli curled a shot beyond Courtois, making the final aggregate score 5-1 and setting up an exciting semi-final encounter with Paris Saint-Germain.
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This analysis evaluates the performances of key players from both teams, highlighting those who excelled and others who underperformed in this crucial Champions League fixture.
Player Ratings: Real Madrid vs Arsenal
Real Madrid (4-4-2)
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Made a significant save by denying Bukayo Saka’s weak Panenka penalty. Was not heavily tested afterwards, as Real Madrid largely controlled possession in Arsenal’s half.
Lucas Vazquez – 5.5
Appeared uneasy defensively. His weaknesses were somewhat concealed by Real Madrid’s dominance in attack for stretches of the match.
Raul Asencio – 5.5
Conceded an early penalty by needlessly bringing down Mikel Merino within the first 10 minutes, setting a negative tone for Real Madrid’s evening.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Demonstrated strength in defence. Physically imposed himself and made his presence felt by the Arsenal forwards.
David Alaba – 5.5
Received an early booking for a foul on Saka. Struggled to maintain position and was often out of place, needing to perform at a higher level.
Federico Valverde – 5.5
Spent much of the game in a central position, limiting his involvement in forward play and hindering attacking connections.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 6
Failed to deliver incisive passes, which were crucial for unlocking Arsenal’s defence in a high-stakes match.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Showed effort and desire to influence the game, including an ambitious bicycle kick, but seemed uncertain in his positioning. Had a notable contest with England teammate Declan Rice.
Rodrygo – 6
Displayed bursts of pace and intent, but his crosses lacked precision and final product.
Kylian Mbappe – 6
Had an early effort ruled offside. Engaged in a compelling battle with William Saliba but was frequently forced into wide areas.
Vinicius Junior – 7
Real Madrid’s most significant threat. Tracked back defensively and consistently posed a danger in possession. Seemed a class above at times and scored following a Saliba error.
Subs:
Dani Ceballos (for Rodrygo 61′) – 6
Fran Garcia (for Alaba 61′) – 6
Endrick (for Vazquez 61′) – 6
Luka Modric (for Asencio 74′) – 6
Brahim Diaz (for Mbappe – 75′) – 6
Manager:
Carlo Ancelotti – 5.5
Despite fielding a team filled with stars, their performance fell significantly short of expectations.
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya – 6.5
Showed secure handling of crosses. Received a booking for time-wasting in the first half, which was a potential risk.
Jurrien Timber – 7
An early rash challenge allowed Vinicius Jr a chance. Recovered well and was solid for the remainder of the match.
William Saliba – 6.5
Engaged in an intriguing duel with fellow French international Mbappe. Ultimately prevailed in the matchup but made a critical error leading to Real Madrid’s goal.
Jakub Kiwior – 7
Delivered a strong performance, continuing his improved form after limited game time earlier in the season. Maintained focus throughout.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7.5
At just 18, he reaffirmed his high potential within Arsenal’s ranks. Remained composed despite intense pressure from Real Madrid’s attack.
Martin Odegaard – 6.5
Was central to Arsenal’s counter-attacking moves. His team might have expected more decisive actions in possession, as he occasionally hesitated on the ball.
Thomas Partey – 7.5
Demonstrated excellent positional awareness and timing in challenges. Crucial in disrupting Real Madrid’s play and making key tackles in midfield.
Declan Rice – 8.5
Did not score a spectacular free-kick like in the first leg, but delivered another outstanding display. A penalty awarded against him for a challenge on Mbappe was correctly overturned by VAR.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Showed initial promise and dynamism. His Panenka penalty was poorly executed and saved, but he redeemed himself by scoring later in the match.
Mikel Merino – 7
Provided tireless work rate. Earned an early penalty for his team and frequently slowed down play to alleviate pressure.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Continuously drove forward, even after setbacks. Contributed significantly defensively and sealed the victory with a second goal in added time.
Subs:
Leandro Trossard (for Saka 77′) – 6
Kieran Tierney (for Martinelli 90+5′) – N/A
Ben White (for Timber 90+5′) – N/A
Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Rice 90+5′) – N/A
Manager:
Mikel Arteta – 7.5
Secured Arsenal’s first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009. A historic achievement that speaks for itself.