Arsenal Beat Real Madrid to Reach Champions League Semifinals

Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009 after beating defending champions Real Madrid 2-1 in the second leg of their quarterfinal match on Wednesday night.

The Gunners won 5-1 on aggregate after a 3-0 victory in the first leg in London last week. They will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals as they continue their push to win the competition for the first time in their history.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a big role in the match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with two major penalty decisions being reviewed. Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the first half after a video check, but Bukayo Saka missed the spot kick.

Real Madrid were then denied a penalty after a long VAR review overturned the decision for a foul on Kylian Mbappe, keeping the score 0-0 at half-time.

Saka made up for his earlier miss by scoring from close range in the 65th minute to put Arsenal ahead. Real Madrid responded quickly through Vinicius Junior, who equalised after a mistake by Arsenal defender William Saliba.

But Arsenal secured the win in added time when Gabriel Martinelli scored on the counterattack to make it 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.

The result ends Real Madrid’s run in the Champions League, with the 15-time winners failing to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2020.

Inter Milan Knock Out Bayern to Book Semifinal Spot

In another exciting quarterfinal, Inter Milan progressed after a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich at the San Siro, winning 4-3 on aggregate.

After a goalless first half, Harry Kane scored to give Bayern the lead in the second leg, making it 3-3 overall. But Inter replied quickly through Lautaro Martinez, before Benjamin Pavard headed in another for Inter just three minutes later.

Eric Dier pulled one back for Bayern to make it 2-2 on the night, but Inter held firm under late pressure and advanced to face Barcelona in the semifinals. The Italian side remain on course to win the treble this season.