Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals is a statement of intent, after the Gunners sealed their place in the last four for the first time since 2009.
The England forward overcame an early setback, missing a first-half Panenka-style penalty, to score the opener in a 2-1 second-leg victory at the Bernabeu. It was a composed response that reflected Arsenal’s growing maturity in Europe.
“We showed that we can play in Europe and beat one of the best teams in the world, home and away. Very proud of this team,” Saka told TNT Sports. “Tonight was a big statement and I am so happy for everyone.”
Despite the missed penalty with the score at 0-0, Saka remained confident. “It can happen. I tried something, but it didn’t work. I was confident I was going to score tonight,” he said. “I learn in every moment. Tonight, I am more focused on enjoying the win and then I will review it properly.”
Mikel Arteta’s side now turn their attention to a mouthwatering semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, who eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa on their route to the last four. Arsenal will host the first leg in North London at the end of April.
Manager Arteta described the victory over Madrid as one of the best moments of his managerial career.
“I’m really proud of the players,” said the Spaniard. “After two or three minutes you realise that anything can happen.”
Looking ahead to the tie with PSG, a team Arsenal defeated in the group stage, Arteta said: “They are a different team now and are on an incredible run at the moment and I know the manager really well. But we showed tonight we can compete against any team.”
Saka echoed that belief: “I see them playing with much more confidence. We will be ready and it will be a very good match.”
For Arsenal, the dream of a first Champions League title remains alive—driven by youth, belief, and now, a landmark win in the Spanish capital.
