Declan Rice reacts to ‘special’ Gabriel Martinelli message to Arsenal fans
Gabriel Martinelli took to social media after his winning goal helped Arsenal to a “special” night in the Champions League as they knocked out Real Madrid in a 5-1 aggregate victory.
With a lot of the talk prior to kick-off about a potential comeback for the current holders of the competition, Mikel Arteta‘s side put that to bed with another inspired display in the Spanish capital.
Bukayo Saka played a starring role once again, despite missing a penalty in the first-half, as he showed his mentality to bounce back and put Arsenal ahead on the night.
However, a rare mistake from William Saliba gave Real Madrid a lifeline, when Vinicius Junior nicked possession to score into an empty net.
The visitors did not succumb to the pressure of the occasion and secured wins in both legs when Mikel Merino found Martinelli to curl his effort home three minutes into stoppage time.
A special night for Arsenal against holders Real Madrid
Following the full-time whistle in the Spanish capital, Martinelli shared a post from his official Instagram account on Wednesday (16 April) with the caption: “A special end to a special night” alongside a saluting emoji.
The Arsenal players were quick to show the match winner praise in the comments section, with Declan Rice saying “martasarrayyyy” alongside a love heart eyed emoji and Jakub Kiwior, who deputised excellently for the injured Gabriel, adding a fire emoji.
The result leaves a semi-final of Arsenal and the French champions perfectly poised, after PSG’s 5-4 aggregate win over Aston Villa.
Arsenal deserved winners across the tie
Football Insider Verdict
When Arsenal were drawn against Real Madrid not many would have seen them convincingly beating the Spanish side in both legs, especially considering the lack of cutting edge they have shown in the league.
However, the signs were there from the group stages and the round-of-16 clash with PSV, in which Arsenal won the first-leg 7-1 away from home.
It feels like this consistency had been building with it all coming together in the perfect moment, with Arteta’s side looking calm, composed and displaying the ruthlessness of any top side.
| Real Madrid stats | Arsenal stats |
| Possession – 66% | Possession – 34% |
| Total shots – 18 | Total shots – 12 |
| On target – 3 | On target – 6 |
| Off target – 5 | Off target – 4 |
The aim for them now will be to continue this momentum into the semi-final against PSG, in which they will take confidence from having already beaten them in the group stages.
With the league title all but out of sight, the Champions League represents Arsenal‘s last opportunity to claim major silverware this season.