An Interesting Night in Europe: Inter Hold Nerve, Arsenal Silence Santiago to Script UCL History

Arteta’s Arsenal Write History at the Bernabéu

Mikel Arteta is scripting a special chapter for Arsenal this season. He has led the Gunners to only their third-ever UEFA Champions League semi-final—and perhaps further. His legacy at the club is growing with each match.

While catching Arsène Wenger’s legendary status may be a stretch, Arteta’s achievements are piling up. Consistent Premier League performances and now a historic result at the Santiago Bernabéu—a place where even Manchester City couldn’t win—make his journey remarkable.

No Remontada, Just Ruthless Arsenal

In Spain, the buzz was all about La Remontada—a classic Real Madrid comeback. But Arsenal came with their own plan.

Madrid started flat. Arsenal, on the other hand, showed control and composure from the start. Then came a controversial moment—Saka was awarded a penalty, but failed to convert. Soon after, a Madrid penalty was overturned by the referee.

Vinícius Júnior gave the hosts some hope with a brilliant finish. But Arsenal shut it down. Saka redeemed himself with a vital goal. Then, in stoppage time, Martinelli struck in the 90+3rd minute, silencing the Bernabéu crowd.

Madrid—winners of 14 UCL titles—crashed out. Their dream of a 15th will have to wait. Arsenal now face PSG in the semi-finals. The Parisians eliminated the undefeated Aston Villa. Both clubs chase their first-ever Champions League title. Only one dream can survive.

Inter Hold On in Milan to Edge Bayern

At San Siro, Inter Milan held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw. That was enough to send them through with a 4-3 aggregate win.

The match turned into a second-half spectacle. Harry Kane opened the scoring just seven minutes after the break, leveling the aggregate.

But Inter responded immediately. Lautaro Martínez smashed in from close range to regain the lead. Then came a goal from Benjamin Pavard—ironically, a former Bayern player—making it 4-2.

Eric Dier gave Bayern late hope with a header. But Inter stood strong and held on.

Nerazzurri: Resilient and Ruthless

Bayern dominated the ball. They led in passes, corners, and even had a better xG (1.35 vs. Inter’s 1.32). But Inter’s clinical finishing and compact defending made the difference.

A standout stat: Inter have trailed for just 10 minutes and 53 seconds in the entire UCL campaign. That’s the shortest of any team this season.

They now face Barcelona in a heavyweight semi-final clash. The motivation? A shot at revenge for the 2023 UCL final defeat, and another chance to lift European silverware.