Arsenal's Tactical Masterclass Ends Madrid Dynasty: Gunners Storm into UCL Semifinals
Arsenal's disciplined performance at Bernabéu seals historic Champions League semifinal berth as Arteta outmaneuvers Ancelotti's Madrid in tactical showdown.
BERNABÉU STADIUM, MADRID - Arsenal delivered a defensive masterclass combined with lethal counterattacking football to dethrone 15-time European champions Real Madrid (5-1 aggregate), advancing to their first Champions League semifinal in 16 years.
Key Moments:
- 13' PENALTY DRAMA: Saka's audacious Panenka denied by Courtois after VAR spotted Asencio's foul
- 65' SAKA REDEMPTION: England international atones with clever chip over Courtois
- 67' VINÍCIUS REPLY: Brazilian pounces on Saliba's rare error
- 90+3' MARTINELLI SEALER: Brazilian speedster caps counterattack for historic win
Defensive Organization
Arsenal's compact 4-4-2 midblock limited Madrid to 0.48 xG (per Opta), with:
- 78% aerial duel success
- 23 completed clearances
- 14 interceptions
| Midfield Battle Declan Rice dominated central areas: |
Stat | Rice | Bellingham |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 6 | 2 | |
| Duels won | 82% | 58% | |
| Pass acc. | 91% | 84% |
Arteta's Tactical Triumph
The Spanish coach:
- Deployed Ødegaard as false 9 in Gabriel Jesus' absence
- Utilized inverted fullbacks to overload midfield
- Masterminded 80th consecutive game without conceding 3+ goals
Madrid's European Exit Post-Mortem
- Mbappé: 0 shots on target
- Only 2/18 crosses completed
- Ancelotti's experimental fullback choices backfired
Looking Ahead
Arsenal face PSG in semifinals (Apr 29/30) without suspended Thomas Partey. The Gunners now boast:
- 8-match UCL unbeaten streak
- Best defensive record in 2025 UCL (4 goals conceded)
- First English club to eliminate Madrid in KO stages since 2004
"This wasn't luck - it was a perfectly executed tactical blueprint," BT Sport analyst Rio Ferdinand noted. "Arteta has created a team that thrives under European pressure."
Georgia
21:00 Europe, UEFA WC Qualification, Round 6
21:00
Bulgaria
Lithuania
00:00 Europe, UEFA WC Qualification, Round 6
00:00
Netherlands
Belgium
02:45 Europe, UEFA WC Qualification, Round 6
02:45
Kazakhstan
Poland
02:45 Europe, UEFA WC Qualification, Round 6
02:45
Finland
Luxembourg
02:45 Europe, UEFA WC Qualification, Round 6
02:45
Slovakia
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