UCL: Arsenal eliminate defending champions Real Madrid; Inter pip Bayern Munich to reach last four
In a dramatic night of Champions League action, Arsenal and Inter Milan both secured their spots in the semifinals, knocking out reigning champions Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively.
Arsenal Upsets Real Madrid
Arsenal completed a stunning 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid with a 2-1 win in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the second half after an earlier penalty was saved, while Gabriel Martinelli clinched the win with a late goal, marking Arsenal’s first semifinal appearance in Europe’s top club competition since 2009.
Despite a determined effort from Los Blancos, who equalized through Vinicius Junior, they struggled to break down Arsenal’s resolute defense. Real Madrid, who had won the Champions League and La Liga double last season, found themselves outmatched as Arsenal held firm to secure their place in the next round against Paris Saint-Germain.
Inter Milan Edges Past Bayern Munich
In a closely contested match, Inter Milan drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich, advancing 4-3 on aggregate. Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard scored for Inter, while Harry Kane and Eric Dier netted for Bayern. The match was played in difficult conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds affecting both teams.
Inter’s victory keeps their treble dreams alive as they are also leading Serie A and advancing in the Italian Cup. They will face Barcelona in the semifinals, where they aim to replicate their past success against the Spanish giants.
With both Arsenal and Inter Milan showcasing resilience and tactical prowess, the stage is set for thrilling semifinal matchups as they vie for a place in the Champions League final.
