Real Madrid’s Champions League defense ends with a 2-1 defeat in Spain by Arsenal.
Arsenal beat defending champion Real Madrid 2-1, reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 in a match where VAR played a key role in two penalty decisions.
Arsenal last week went 5-1 in total on Wednesday after a 3-0 victory at home in London, maintaining the chance to win the competition for the top European clubs for the first time. They will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
This time there was no historic comeback for Madrid. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has no slow goals, high drama, or magic.
It was the first time since 2020 that it recorded a defending champion and 15 European winners, but it didn’t reach its final four. They were looking for a third Champions League title in four seasons.
Like before the Champions League in recent years, hopes of making another comeback on Wednesday were a huge hit when a five-minute VAR check overturned Killian Mbappe’s penalty in the first half, and the game tied 0-0.
Arsenal had previously been awarded a penalty after a video review, but Bukayosaka missed his spot kick.
Saka was able to advance Arsenal from within the area in the 65th minute, and Madrid couldn’t manage more than the equalizer of Vinicius Jr. minutes later, following a defensive failure by William Saliba.
Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the victory by scoring on the breakaway after three minutes of stoppage time.
Inter Milan overcomes Bayern Munich
Inter Milan reached the final four with a 4-3 total victory over Bayern Munich after a fascinating 2-2 draw in the second game of the quarterfinals at San Siro.
Harry Kane advanced Bayern in the evening after half opening on goal, flattening the tally seven minutes after the break, but six minutes later Lautaro Martinez got Inter.
Inter appeared to have killed the tie three more minutes later as Benjamin Pavard headed out of the corner. However, Bayern secured a nervous finale for the home fans after Eric Deer was still 14 minutes left.
The hosts were held under severe slow pressure and advanced to face Barcelona in the semi-finals along with the Serie A leader, completing the treble.
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