Arsenal make their biggest Champions League statement in nearly 20 years

16 years after their last semi-final, a composed and courageous performance set the stage for something bigger. Under Mikel Arteta, the team didn’t just protect a lead, they imposed their identity in the home of the champions.

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal (not pictured) scored his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Arsenal stood firm beneath the floodlights of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, delivering a mature performance to beat Real Madrid and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2009.