If there’s one place Real Madrid feel they can do the impossible, it’s at the Santiago Bernabeu. It’s the place of nightmares, where Madrid forge their haunted stories, and for thousands of Real Madrid fans, they hoped for another fairytale, but Arsenal said Not today.
From the first leg, the game looked complete. There was absolutely nothing in the works that felt like Madrid could complete a famous comeback, especially from three goals down.
Real Madrid came into the match looking to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg and from the start of the whistle, they got into a fiery mood. They were running for every ball, chasing every Arsenal shirt but Arteta and his men expected this and they had a plan.
A plan to be calm, collected, and ready to play their football, which they did successfully. For the first half, they had the most chances, played like they wanted to win the match, and they almost had the lead.
Arsenal had a penalty in the first half which was a good chance to take the lead. Saka stepped up to take it, but he was denied by Courtois. The Belgian man was quick to deny Arsenal’s star boy.
The Bernabeu was a very loud place for the entire match. The fans kept cheering every cross, tackle, and shot. They had the belief that something would.
Well, the only thing that happened tonight was their team losing at home. While Real Madrid were playing with all their heart, they were second best to Arsenal, who took the lead in the second half through Bukayo Saka. The winger made up for his penalty miss after scoring a well-worked chance by his teammates. This time, he was able to dink the ball over Courtois and into the goal.
Less than a minute from the goal, Real Madrid equalized. An error from Saliba allowed Vinicius to win the ball, and the Brazilian winger from close range found the back of the net. Real Madrid fans would’ve thought that their team will add more goals and honestly, they tried but Arsenal were resolute in defending. They refused to allow Real Madrid any space.
Slowly, Madrid fans began to realize it was all over. Time was ticking and not in their favour. As a Madrid fan, a draw at home would’ve served as a consolation but Arsenal had one more trick to pull. A swift counter from the back allowed Martinelli to run at the Madrid defense and with just one man to contest with, the Arsenal winger burst into speed before slotting the ball past Courtois.
The disbelief could be heard across the stadium. Arsenal have defeated Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Who could’ve thought? Well, Arteta and his boys thought and it came to pass. Arsenal now have PSG in sight as they continue their pursuit for the UEFA Champions League trophy.
