Arsenal Player Ratings vs Real Madrid as Rice Bosses Bellingham, Kiwior Stops Mbappe, Saka Atones — Arsenal Record Dream Result Against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League

In a night of pure Champions League magic, Arsenal delivered one of the most emphatic statements of their modern era, toppling Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu to progress to the semi-finals with an astonishing 5-1 aggregate score. It was more than just a win—it was a demonstration of growth, power, and tactical brilliance from a team that has long craved success at this level.

The first leg had already set the tone, but few expected Arsenal to maintain their dominance in the Spanish capital. However, Mikel Arteta’s men rose to the occasion with ice in their veins and steel in their boots. Despite an early setback—Bukayo Saka missing a penalty—the Gunners regrouped, refocused, and unleashed one of the finest European away performances in club history.

David Raya was immense between the sticks. The Spaniard, under pressure after losing his starting spot in the Spanish national team, showed maturity and command. He dealt confidently with high balls, and while Vinicius Junior’s goal wasn’t preventable due to a defensive lapse, Raya’s composure never wavered. His performance laid the foundation. Rating: 9.

Jurrien Timber continues to evolve into a fan favourite. Playing with both grace and grit, he was a rock on the right, combining precise tackles with smart transitions. His ability to shift between attacking and defending phases seamlessly shows why he’s become such a key figure under Arteta. Rating: 8.

William Saliba had a mixed evening. He produced a highlight-reel moment when he jockeyed Kylian Mbappe off the ball with calm elegance in the first half. But in a rare moment of hesitation, he gifted Real Madrid their only goal of the night with a backpass that Vinicius capitalised on. Still, his poise under pressure across the tie can’t be overlooked. Rating: 7.

Jakub Kiwior stepped into the limelight due to Gabriel’s injury, and he rose with elegance. Against the reigning European champions, Kiwior delivered a performance full of discipline, intelligence, and bravery. His positioning was immaculate, and he frustrated Real Madrid’s front line all night. This was a coming-of-age moment. Rating: 9.

One of the most eye-catching displays came from 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Tasked with a mountain of responsibility, the teenager treated the Bernabéu like his own backyard. Dribbling through the midfield with fearless elegance, shrugging off veterans, and tackling like a seasoned pro—this was a breakout performance that will be talked about for years. Rating: 8.

Thomas Partey brought vital experience to the heart of midfield. With his calm presence, he broke up Madrid’s rhythm and dictated Arsenal’s transitions. He did, however, let his emotions get the better of him late on with a needless push that earned a yellow card—meaning he’ll miss the first leg of the semi-final. Still, his contribution was huge. Rating: 8.

Declan Rice was simply colossal. Though he came dangerously close to conceding a penalty when Kylian Mbappe went down in the box, VAR came to the rescue and overturned the decision. Rice’s redemption came with a sensational second-half tackle on Jude Bellingham that drew roars from the away fans. His physicality and positioning were crucial throughout. Rating: 9.

Martin Ødegaard had a quieter outing but was still influential in moments. He was guilty of overplaying a good chance in the first half, but as the game progressed, the Norwegian’s intelligence came through. He began finding pockets of space, linking well with Saka and Martinelli, and created several dangerous opportunities. Rating: 7.

Bukayo Saka’s night began in agony. His early penalty miss could have set Arsenal back, but he kept his head up. His second-half goal—a delicate chip over Thibaut Courtois after a sublime pass from Merino—was both redemptive and exquisite. It was a symbol of maturity and resilience from Arsenal’s talisman. Rating: 8.

Mikel Merino, the unlikeliest of Arsenal’s attacking weapons, showed again why he has become indispensable. More midfielder than forward, he was everywhere—tackling, intercepting, and covering enormous ground. His inch-perfect assist to Saka for the opening goal capped a relentless display of commitment and tactical discipline. Rating: 9.

Gabriel Martinelli returned to something close to his electric best. Constantly probing down the left flank, he kept Dani Carvajal on high alert with his pace and directness. But his crowning moment came late in the game—finishing a brilliant Arsenal counterattack to seal the victory on the night. Rating: 8.

The substitutes played their part too. Leandro Trossard came on and helped kill the game with smart hold-up play and pressing. Though he didn’t see much of the ball, his energy in the final moments helped preserve Arsenal’s lead and contributed to the team’s cohesion during high-pressure spells. Rating: 6.

After the final whistle, Arsenal’s bench erupted in joy. Mikel Arteta, who has faced criticism in the past for his tactical rigidity, deserves credit for setting his team up with the perfect balance of aggression and pragmatism. Outplaying Carlo Ancelotti over two legs is no small feat, and the Arsenal boss now leads his side into their first semi-final since 2009.

Real Madrid, for all their experience and talent, were second-best. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe had their moments but were effectively contained. Rudiger’s heavy-handed antics, including a nasty stamp on Lewis-Skelly, only highlighted Madrid’s frustration. For Arsenal, however, this was more than a win. It was a message to Europe.

The Gunners now prepare for a mouth-watering semi-final clash, likely against another European heavyweight. But the belief within this squad is growing by the game. From Lewis-Skelly’s audacity to Rice’s command, and from Saka’s redemption to Martinelli’s drive—this Arsenal team is dreaming big, and rightfully so.

And while history is still waiting to be written, nights like these are where legends begin. Arsenal’s long road back to the summit of European football just hit its most exhilarating stride yet.