Arsenal defeated reigning champion Real Madrid 2-1 to advance to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009. VAR had a decisive role in two penalty calls.
Arsenal booked their place in the semifinals 5-1 on aggregate on Wednesday. They had secured a 3-0 first-leg victory at home in London last week. The team continues its bid to win Europe’s premier club competition for the first time. They will face Paris Saint-Germain next.
The reigning champion and record 15-time European winner missed the last four for the first time since 2020. They were pursuing their third Champions League crown in four years.
Its bid to mount another comeback on Wednesday as so many times previously in recent seasons in the Champions League was dealt a severe blow. A five-minute VAR review saw a penalty for holding on Kylian Mbappé overturned in the first half, as the game remained 0-0.
Arsenal Strike First, Madrid Hit Back, Martinelli Has the Final Say
Arsenal had already been given a penalty following a video review, but Bukayo Saka saw his spot kick go wide.
Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal into the lead from inside the box in the 65th minute. While Real Madrid only managed an equaliser through Vinicius Junior, a couple of minutes on, due to a defensive lapse by William Saliba.
The win for Arsenal was secured by Gabriel Martinelli, who broke away and scored three minutes into stoppage time.
Carlo Ancelotti ‘No Problem’ if Real Madrid Sack Me
This was Real Madrid’s 12th loss of the campaign, compared to only two in the entire last season.
“It could be that the club decide to change [coach], it could be this year or the next when my contract expires, there’s no problem,” Real head coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the match.
“The day that I leave here, I can only thank the club.” Ancelotti showcased gratitude towards Real Madrid.
“It could be tomorrow, in 10 days, in a month or a year, but all I can do will be to thank the club if my contract’s up or not, I don’t care.” Ancelotti on his contract.
Future Speculations and Current Objectives of Real Madrid
Real Madrid have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who played for Los Blancos. They have also been linked with former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp.
Carlo Ancelotti said his team were still in the fight for LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup this summer.
“The team gave everything in terms of attitude, but we weren’t able to do it,” said Ancelotti after the Arsenal defeat.
“To be honest, Arsenal defended very well. We found it hard to find space, in terms of intensity we were better but it was not enough.” Real Madrid head coach on Arsenal
