Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 5-1 overall to go to the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009, led by a spectacular stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli. With a 3-0 lead after the first leg, the Gunners put an end to pregame rumors that 15-time champion Real Madrid would make another spectacular remontada (or “comeback”) when Bukayo Saka and Martinelli scored goals either side of Vinícius Júnior’s 67th-minute response to seal a historic victory.

After Thibaut Courtois stopped Saka’s attempted Panenka penalty in the 13th minute, Real Madrid appeared to have their own spot kick when Kylian Mbappé was taken down by Declan Rice’s challenge. The penalty was given by referee François Letexier, but the ruling was reversed following a five-minute VAR check.

Arsenal’s sturdy defense prevented Real from getting a shot on goal, and the visitors pounced when the home team was forced to gamble to find a way back. Saka cleverly broke the offside trap to bounce Mikel Merino’s cross past Courtois on the 65th minute, making up for his earlier spot-kick error.

Two minutes later, Vinícius had the opportunity to respond immediately after a mistake by William Saliba, who was otherwise outstanding that evening.

However, Arsenal stood firm, and Martinelli raced clear on the counterattack to put a low finish past Courtois for a historic triumph.

Arsenal will play Paris Saint-Germain in what will just be the third semifinal in the team’s Champions League history, but they will be missing Thomas Partey, who received a late booking for pushing Real replacement Dani Ceballos, and will not play in the first leg, which is scheduled for April.

–Deeprows Sports