Real Madrid vs Arsenal ends in stunning 5–1 exit for Madrid

By Joshua Omoniyi 

A commanding start in London

The first leg of the Real Madrid vs Arsenal quarter‑final at the Emirates Stadium turned into a night to remember. Arsenal rose to the occasion on April 8, 2025, delivering a 3–0 win that stunned Real Madrid. Declan Rice bent two sublime free kicks into the net, and Gabriel Martinelli added a third goal late in the game. The result gave Arsenal their biggest first‑leg lead ever in the Champions League and left Real Madrid chasing shadows before the trip to Spain.

Drama at the Bernabéu

When Real Madrid hosted the second leg on April 16, 2025, hopes were high for a comeback. Instead, Arsenal held firm and triumphed 2–1. The match swung on two pivotal moments that shaped the Real Madrid vs Arsenal story.

Penalty twists

Early in the second leg, Bukayo Saka stepped up for Arsenal but saw his Panenka saved by Thibaut Courtois. Minutes later, a penalty given to Real Madrid was overturned by VAR after a challenge on Kylian Mbappé. Those decisions kept the tie firmly in Arsenal’s hands and frustrated fans at the Bernabéu.

Late goal seals the win

Bukayo Saka made amends with a precise finish in the 65th minute, and though Vinícius Júnior pulled one back two minutes later, Arsenal never looked in trouble. In stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli pounced on a swift counterattack to seal a 2–1 victory and complete a 5–1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.

What’s next for Real Madrid and Arsenal

Arsenal’s young core has earned a spot in the Champions League semi‑final for the first time since 2009. They will face Paris Saint‑Germain in late April and early May. Real Madrid must turn their attention back to La Liga and the Copa del Rey final, where they aim to regroup and respond after this dramatic Real Madrid vs Arsenal exit.