Arsenal came of age as it dethroned Champions League king Real Madrid with ease to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2009.
A commanding 3-0 first-leg victory last week, lit up by two stunning Declan Rice free-kicks, laid the foundations in London.
But a 2-1 win in the cauldron of the Santiago Bernabeu to complete the job on Wednesday was a significant milestone for Mikel Arteta‘s rising stars.
Arteta’s only major trophy in five and a half years in charge remains the 2020 FA Cup, just months into his reign.
But the Spaniard has transformed a sleeping giant back into serial contenders for major honors.
“I sensed before I signed for the club that we were on an upwards trajectory,” said Rice, who rejected the advances of Manchester City to join Arsenal for a club-record £105 million ($139 million) in 2023. “This club is going to do special things in the coming years. We all fully believe in it, we have full trust in this manager — he’s unbelievable.”
Despite never winning the competition, Arsenal was part of the Champions League furniture during Arsene Wenger‘s reign — between 2000 and 2017 the Gunners were ever-present in Europe’s elite competition.
But when that run came to an end, they spent six seasons without Champions League football.
Slowly, Arteta rebuilt Arsenal back into a force around a core of promising talent now coming into their prime.
Not for the first time in his young career, Bukayo Saka did not let a missed penalty on the big stage affect him.
SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING
Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.
- Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
- Inside access to USA’s 2026 World Cup prep.
- Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
- Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
- Cancel anytime.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
CHECK OUT MORE STORIES
Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
