Arsenal and Inter Milan have booked their places in the UEFA Champions League semifinals, outplaying more established contenders and proving their growing strength in European football.
Arsenal break Real’s grip
Arsenal delivered a commanding performance over two legs against defending champions Real Madrid, winning 5-1 on aggregate. After a 3-0 victory in London, the Gunners went to the Santiago Bernabeu and earned a 2-1 win. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli found the net, while Arsenal’s midfield dominated play against a lackluster Madrid side.
Manager Mikel Arteta applauded his squad’s discipline and ambition, stating, “We came here with a clear plan and the players executed it with courage. We are not just here to participate; we are here to compete.”
Inter knock out Bayern
Inter Milan held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw at home after edging them 2-1 in the first leg in Germany. With a 4-3 aggregate score, Inter progressed thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and defender Benjamin Pavard, who scored against his former club. Bayern, struggling with internal issues and tactical disarray, failed to gain control in either leg.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi pointed to the team’s unity and balance: “We respected Bayern, but we never feared them. Our path is built on discipline, not reputation.”
Upcoming battles
The semifinal draw sets Arsenal against Paris Saint-Germain, while Inter Milan are set to face FC Barcelona. Both matchups bring contrasting styles and political symbolism, as clubs with different identities and global backers clash on and off the pitch.
As the traditional dominance of Western European mega-clubs shows cracks, teams like Arsenal and Inter present an alternative path—less corporate, more grounded in football heritage and tactical substance. The next stage may further expose the hollowness behind marketing-driven football projects and reassert the power of sporting merit.