see also
Where to watch Real Madrid vs Arsenal in the USA: 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League
Bukayo Saka missed the chance to send Arsenal to the Champions League semi-finals after failing to convert from the penalty spot in the 13th minute mark of the second leg match against Real Madrid. He attempted a Panenka, but Thibaut Courtois reacted quickly to make the save.
Arsenal are coming off a 3–0 victory at home, but Real Madrid are still chasing the epic comeback. Saka had the chance to end any hope for Los Blancos, who would need to score at least four goals to force extra time.
Referee François Letexier awarded a penalty to the visitors after reviewing a play where Marco Asencio dragged Mikel Merino to the ground inside the box. Letexier also booked Asensio, who appeared stunned by the decision, which came after a VAR review.
Adding to the controversy, Letexier gave Madrid a penalty for a similar incident but overturned the call after consulting the VAR. The match has been heavily contested. However, history is not on Madrid’s side.
In three of the four previous times they lost the first leg by three or more goals, they only managed one comeback. It was against Derby County in the 1975–76 season.
Arsenal’s record against Madrid
Interestingly, Arsenal remain unbeaten against Real Madrid in European competition, with two wins and one draw. They have yet to concede a single goal in their three meetings. If they keep that streak alive, they would become the first team to keep four consecutive clean sheets against Los Blancos.
Saka’s Champions League stats
In this Champions League edition, Saka has scored four goals in six appearances. He hasn’t scored to Real Madrid yet, after Declan Rice, with an impressive brace with two free-kick goals, and Mikel Merino were the goalscorers in the first leg.
