Arsenal, The Fearless, Knock Out Champions Real Madrid

Shilpa Rajan April 24, 2025

Arsenal have done the unexpected. They have knocked out holders Real Madrid out of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. This win takes them to the semi-final stage for the first time since the 2008-09 season. In the other match, Inter Milan held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw. The Italian side advanced on aggregate score.

Arsenal extends unbeaten run against Real Madrid

The Gunners already had one foot in the next round following their 3-0 win at home against Real Madrid. However, the Los Blancos down go down that easily. They have made a lot of comebacks in the past and had the belief to do it once again.

Mikel Arteta knew that this match was different from the first one. His team shifted to a more defensive shape and were looking to counter-attack. Real Madrid kept the ball more in the first half but were unable to create clear cut chances. Arsenal, on the other hand, looked more threatening. They were awarded a penalty after Raul Asencio fouled Merino. Bukayo Saka stepped up but Courtois was not allowing the ball to get past him. The Belgian keeper saved the goal and Madrid were still in the game.

The second half saw Arsenal scoring the first goal instead of Real Madrid. Saka missed the penalty but was not going to miss one-on-one chance with the keeper. He extended Arsenal’s lead to 4-0 in the 66^th minute.

Real Madrid scored the equaliser two minutes later. Vinicius Junior robbed Saliba and scored in an open goal. This was the only chance where they looked to score. Arsenal were not giving them easy opportunities. In the added time, Gabriel Martinelli made a run from inside his half and was one-on-one with the keeper. He slotted the ball into the bottom corner and won the game for Arsenal.

The tie ended 4-1 in favour of the English side. This win means that Arsenal are still unbeaten against Real Madrid in the Champions League. They have won three and drawn one match. Arsenal will face PG in the last four.

Inter eliminate German giants

Inter Milan were up against Bayern Munich in the quarter-final. The Italian side won the first leg 2-1. A late goal from Frattesi was enough to put Inter in a comfortable position. Inzaghi’s men are very sound with their tactics. They know how to defend against attacking sides and get the results.

Bayern Munich plays very aggressive football under Vincent Kompany. They were looking to turn the tide in their favour. The first half went goalless,s and both teams were still tied.

Harry Kane opened the scoring in the 52^nd minute. He missed a couple of chances in the first leg but was not going to repeat his mistakes in this match. However, Bayern’s happiness was short-lived after Lautaro scored the equaliser six minutes later. Three minutes later, Benjamin Pavard scored against his former team, and Inter were 2-1 up. Eric Dier scored the equaliser, but Inter held on to their one-goal advantage. They will now face Barcelona in the next round.