For the first time since 2009, Arsenal advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals after decisively defeating defending champion Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate thanks to a spectacular stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli.

With a 3-0 lead after the first leg, the Gunners put an end to pregame speculation that 15-time champion Real Madrid would mount another epic remontada (or comeback) when Bukayo Saka and Martinelli scored goals either side of Vinícius Júnior's 67th-minute response to seal a historic victory.

After Thibaut Courtois stopped Saka's attempted Panenka penalty in the 13th minute, Real Madrid appeared to have their spot-kick when Kylian Mbappé was taken down by Declan Rice's charge. The penalty was given by referee François Letexier, but the ruling was reversed following a five-minute VAR assessment.

Arsenal's sturdy defense prevented Real Madrid from getting a chance on goal, and the visitors pounced when the home team was forced to gamble to find a way back. With a deft finish in the 65th minute, Saka escaped the offside trap to bounce Mikel Merino's through pass over Courtois, making up for his earlier spot-kick error.

Two minutes later, Vinícius had the opportunity to respond immediately after a mistake by William Saliba, who was otherwise brilliant that evening. However, Arsenal stood strong, and Martinelli raced free on the counterattack to slide a low finish past Courtois for a historic triumph. Thomas Partey, who received a late booking for pushing Real replacement Dani Ceballos, will miss the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League semifinal matchup against Paris Saint-Germain, which will only be the Gunners' third-ever semifinal.