Arsenal secured a significant 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, completing a 5-1 aggregate win to advance to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009. Central to this achievement was Bukayo Saka, who delivered a performance marked by resilience and composure.

The match began with a moment of adversity for Saka. After Mikel Merino earned a penalty via VAR intervention, Saka attempted a Panenka-style spot-kick that was saved by Thibaut Courtois . However, demonstrating mental fortitude, Saka redeemed himself in the 65th minute by scoring the opening goal, capitalizing on another assist from Merino .

Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Vinícius Júnior equalizing following a defensive lapse. Yet, Arsenal maintained their composure, and Gabriel Martinelli secured the win with a late goal in stoppage time, again assisted by Merino .

Post-match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta humorously remarked on Saka’s penalty miss, saying it made him want to “slap” the young star, but he praised Saka’s overall contribution to the team’s success .

Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, with the first leg scheduled at the Emirates Stadium later this month.