Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal announced their arrival among Europe’s elite with a commanding performance over two legs to knock out Champions League heavyweights Real Madrid and book a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2009.
A dominant 3-0 first-leg victory at the Emirates, highlighted by two sensational Declan Rice free-kicks, set the tone. But it was a composed 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu that truly signaled Arsenal’s maturity on the biggest stage.
For Arteta, whose only major trophy since taking charge in 2019 remains the 2020 FA Cup, this result marks a significant milestone in his ambitious rebuild of a once-dormant giant.
“This club is going to do special things in the coming years,” said Rice, who turned down Manchester City to join Arsenal in a club-record £105 million move in 2023. “We fully believe in the project, and we have total trust in the manager—he’s unbelievable.”
Under Arsène Wenger, Arsenal were Champions League regulars from 2000 to 2017, but after falling out of the competition, they endured a six-year exile. Slowly but surely, Arteta has restored their identity and belief, shaping a young, dynamic side ready to challenge Europe’s best.
Bukayo Saka, ever resilient, brushed off the disappointment of a missed penalty early in the match—saved by Thibaut Courtois—and responded in style. His elegant chip over the Madrid keeper 25 minutes from time gave Arsenal the lead on the night and extinguished hopes of another Madrid comeback.
Although a rare mistake from William Saliba gifted Vinicius Junior an equalizer, the French defender was otherwise outstanding, continuing a superb campaign in which he had already shut down the likes of Kylian Mbappe.
Arsenal, however, remained composed. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber nullified Madrid’s wide threats in Vinicius and Rodrygo, while Gabriel Martinelli put the finishing touch on the night with a stoppage-time goal to seal the win.
At the heart of it all was Declan Rice. The midfielder outshone his England counterpart Jude Bellingham with a commanding display, earning a second consecutive man-of-the-match award.
“Tonight he was immense,” said Arteta. “When the game was in the balance, he stepped up and changed it.”
Despite falling short in the Premier League title race in recent seasons—likely to finish runners-up for a third straight year as Liverpool edge ahead—Arsenal now have their sights firmly set on European glory.
“This is a special and historic night for the club,” said Rice. “We’re here to compete with the best and to win this competition.”
Awaiting them in the semifinals is Paris Saint-Germain, one of Arteta’s former clubs as a player. With Barcelona and Inter Milan facing off in the other tie, none of the remaining sides have lifted the trophy in over a decade, leaving the field wide open.
“This is only the third time in our history that we've reached the semifinals,” Arteta added. “We’re hungry. We want more. This is a young, determined team—and experiences like this, for all of us, are part of building something truly special.”