Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta rolled out the credits after his side advanced past Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Despite their recent rivalry, having gone head-to-head for two of the past three Premier League titles, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta showed class, crediting Pep Guardiola for his success after he coached a team to a Champions League semi-final for the first time in his career.
)
08:46 - 16.04.2025
Real Madrid vs Arsenal: President Florentino Perez promises Mbappe, Vinicius, others 'big bonus' to eliminate Gunners
Gunners beware!!! Real Madrid have gotten extra motivation to knock you out of the Champions League.
)
22:57 - 15.04.2025
Real Madrid learn how many matches Kylian Mbappe will miss for horrific tackle on Antonio Blanco
Kylian Mbappe's punishment for the straight red card offence against Alaves has been revealed.
PAY ATTENTION: Check out Bet Of The Day page - we provide expert tips
What Arteta said
)
22:14 - 15.04.2025
Ranking The 10 Best Footballers Of The 21st Century
The 21st century has witnessed some remarkable football talents on the pitch but who are the best players to ever play the game since the turn of the millennium?
Speaking after the game, an elated Arteta praised his team for their remarkable showing, beating Real Madrid 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.
Arteta also credited the man who gave him his first coaching opportunity, Pep Guardiola. He revealed that he had called the Manchester City boss earlier in the day to thank him.
“If I'm here, it's thanks to Pep Guardiola," Arteta said, per Fabrizio. “I called him this morning. I will always be grateful to him”.
)
Arteta was hired by Pep as an assistant at Manchester City and was at the club for three and a half years, before he secured his current job at Arsenal in 2019.
The match in brief
Arsenal started strongly against Real Madrid, withstanding early pressure and being awarded a penalty after VAR ruled in their favour. However, Thibaut Courtois denied Bukayo Saka's penalty attempt, keeping the score goalless.
In the second half, Real Madrid intensified their attack, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Junior testing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. However, it was Arsenal who scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute, with Bukayo Saka finishing a well-worked team move with a delicate shot over Courtois.
Arsenal sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli, following a defensive error by Gabriel Saliba, which helped Vinicius pull one back for Los Blancos.