Arsenal dreams of rewriting history.

If Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg in London was considered a "seismic event in European football," then in the return match a week later, the Gunners' 2-1 win over the home team to secure a place in the semi-finals was almost a foregone conclusion.

Returning to the position of a major player.

Arsenal were the first English team to win at the Bernabeu when Thierry Henry scored the only goal to eliminate Real Madrid before the quarter-finals of the 2005-2006 season. Arsenal are also recognized as the only Premier League team to date to have triumphed twice at Real Madrid's home ground, having beaten Real Madrid again in the second leg of the European Cup quarter-finals on the morning of April 17, 2025.

Arsenal secured a convincing victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. (Image: ARSENALFC)

Arsenal secured a convincing victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu (Photo: ARSENALFC)

The two sides were on opposite extremes, and the team lacking the desire to win was eliminated early, regardless of Real Madrid's European triumph the previous season.

There was no miraculous comeback for "Los Blancos," despite the efforts of experts, former Real Madrid legends, and coach Carlo Ancelotti and his team to boost morale. They were fortunate when Bukayo Saka missed a penalty in the 13th minute. Luck smiled on them again when Vinicius Junior won the ball from the Arsenal defense to score the equalizer, making it 1-1, just three minutes after conceding the first goal.

However, on a day plagued by bad luck, Real Madrid paid the price for their ineffective play, especially in attack with their star player Kylian Mbappe. The French striker had a goal disallowed after 3 minutes due to offside and was disappointed when he failed to win a penalty in the 23rd minute, which many experts believe Mbappe should have received a yellow card for simulation.

With too few shots and poor finishing, Real Madrid were punished by two superb goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, losing both legs of the same season to the same opponent for the first time. Thus, from being a strong title contender, Real Madrid exited the competition as a weak team, lacking the skills to cope with opponents who played cohesively, without star players but with an abundance of fighting spirit and a burning desire for success.

Winning both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals helped Arsenal eliminate a struggling Real Madrid, dispelling the psychological ghost that had haunted them for years, and opening up a hopeful future. Only now do many acknowledge Mikel Arteta's efforts in transforming a team that was underestimated before the season back into a European powerhouse.

A well-rounded playing style in both offense and defense.

Who would have thought that Bukayo Saka would be sidelined for months due to injury but would make a brilliant return against Real Madrid? Who could have predicted a Declan Rice improving day by day, asserting his leadership status with his all-around offensive and defensive play; a Mikel Merino transforming from a "substitute" into a "killer" for his compatriots; or a defense that is becoming increasingly comprehensive and one of the most solid not only in the Premier League but also in the Champions League?

Arsenal may be ridiculed for finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. However, the strength of the team, built by Mikel Arteta and former sporting director Edu over half a decade, cannot be underestimated. Strong in aerial duels, quick on the counter-attack, physically fit, and capable of controlling the midfield, Arsenal deserves to be among the strongest teams in Europe.

If David Raya is the goalkeeper with the third-highest cross-stopping efficiency in Europe, then 18-year-old defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, who started consistently at the end of the season, was the factor that drove Real Madrid players crazy with his dribbling from his own half. Jakub Kiwior, a center-back who usually sits on the bench, was the one who "shut down" Kylian Mbappe in this match, while Vinicius Junior had a headache dealing with Jurrien Timber on the left flank.

Despite lacking a true center forward (having to push Merino up to play), Arsenal boasts a solid defense and a versatile playing style that adapts well when transitioning between phases. They are confident they can inflict the same fate on PSG as Real Madrid. These two teams will meet in the first leg of the semi-final on April 29th in London.

It's no coincidence that European experts rate Arsenal's chances of winning the title so highly. With Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Milan all vying for trebles and quadruples this season, it's certainly more difficult for them than for Arsenal, who only have the Champions League left to fight for.

Arsenal dreams of rewriting history - Photo 4.