Football
Arsenal Secure Champions League Semi-Final Spot As Gunners Comfortably See Of Real Madrid Over Two Legs
Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.
Get to know Paul Kelly betterPublished16 Apr 2025
Arsenal secure their spot in the Champions League semi-final with 5-1 aggregate win over two legs against Real Madrid. You can watch the Real Madrid vs Arsenal highlights from the Champions League quarter-final second leg below.
Arsenal Book Place In Champions League Semi-Final After 2-1 Second Leg Stalemate In Madrid
Although Arsenal travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu with a three goal advantage from the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, the best UK football betting sites still favoured Real Madrid to win the return leg.
Yes, it would take something special from the Galacticos to progress into the semi-final follow last week’s disastrous 3-0 defeat at the Emirates, but it wasn’t an impossible task by any stretch and some football fans even fancied the Spanish giants to pull the comeback off.
The visitors had the opportunity to break the deadlock from the spot early on after some VAR controversy, but Bukayo Saka failed to convert the spot-kick to keep the scores a 0-0. Had that penalty have gone in, the tie would have been well and truly over if it wasn’t already.
There was some more VAR controversy in the first half too, this time up the other end. A penalty was awarded to Real Madrid for Declan Rice’s foul on Kylian Mbappe, but that decision was overturned following a VAR review.
Despite Madrid’s need for at least three goals to force at least extra-time, the first half drew to a close with the deadlock still in tact at the Santiago Bernabeu.
HT: Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal
The game hung firmly in the balance as the second half got underway, with the best UK betting apps still slightly favouring a home win over a draw or away win on the night.
The deadlock was eventually broken 20 minutes into the second half, and it was the visitors who got it. Bukayo Saka made no mistake this time as he gave the Gunners a 4-0 advantage in the tie with the Champions League semi-final in sight.
Real Madrid struck back just two minutes later with Vinicius Junior giving them a lifeline with a wonderful goal, but Carlo Ancelotti’s still required at least another three goals in just 23 minutes of football at the Bernabeu.
The hosts tried their best to find another goal which they hoped would lead to another two, but Mikela Arteta’s side defended comfortably and stood firm.
Arsenal put the icing on the cake in injury-time as second half substitute Gabriel Martinelli added a second on the night for the Gunners. Not only did they knock the holders out, but they well and truly battered Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and co.
A 3-0 home win last wee in London and 2-1 away victory at the Bernabeu has well and truly put the rest of Europe on notice that Arsenal are serious contenders for the Champions League.
Arsenal have officially booked their place in the last four of the 2025 Champions League alongside Barcelona, Inter Milan and PSG. Who will win it come the 24th May?
WATCH: Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal Highlights
Watch the key moments and goals above with the Real Madrid vs Arsenal highlights on YouTube.
Next up for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is a return to Premier League action. The Gunners face a trip to Ipswich on Easter Sunday with a 2pm kick-off.
Real Madrid also return to league action, as they welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Bernabeu in their next La Liga fixture.
Be sure to claim the various football betting offers and free bet deals available on the SportsCasting site ahead of the Champions League semi-finals.