Arsenal convincingly defeated Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarterfinals, securing their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2009. This victory is a testament to the team's growth under Mikel Arteta.
Several players delivered outstanding performances. Bukayo Saka scored a crucial goal after a penalty miss, while Gabriel Martinelli proved to be the match-winner. Declan Rice dominated the midfield, outperforming Jude Bellingham. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jakub Kiwior also impressed.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed immense pride in his team's performance, emphasizing their character and resilience in overcoming injuries and challenges. He highlighted the significance of this victory in the context of the team's development journey.
The win signifies a major step forward for Arsenal, showcasing their maturity as a team capable of competing with and defeating the best in Europe. While the focus is often on winning major trophies, this victory is a significant landmark on the path to achieving those goals.