There were no miracles or comebacks in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, which took place on Thursday (17/04) in the early hours of IST. Inter Milan and Arsenal were able to capitalize on their first leg advantage to advance to the semifinals.
Playing in front of their home fans at the Giuseppe Meazza, Inter held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw. Inter’s two goals came from Lautaro Martinez in the 58th minute and Benjamin Pavard in the 61st minute. Bayern Munich’s two goals were scored by Harry Kane (52) and Eric Dier (76).
Despite the draw, the Nerazzurri qualified for the semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate advantage.
Inter and Bayern traded attacks from the start of the match. Both sides had golden opportunities in the first 11 minutes of the game. However, neither side managed to score in the first half.
In the second half, Munich made the breakthrough with Harry Kane’s goal in the 52nd minute. The score changed to 0-1.
However, Lautaro Martinez answered six minutes later after Federico Dimarco’s assist. The score was 1-1.
Just three minutes later, Benjamin Pavard’s header put Inter back in front. In the 76th minute, the score was tied at 2-2 after Eric Dier scored for Bayern.
In the remaining time, Bayern continued to press for an equalizer. However, the goal did not come until the final whistle. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Arsenal Party at Santiago Bernabeu
In another match, Arsenal humiliated hosts and defending champions Real Madrid 2-1. The result secured the Gunners a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League with an overwhelming 5-1 aggregate score.
Arsenal’s two goals came from Bukayo Saka (65th) and Gabriel Martinelli (90+3). Madrid responded through Vinicius Junior (67).
Playing at home and trailing 3-0, Real Madrid immediately tried to take the initiative and attack. However, the visitors had their first golden opportunity in the 10th minute when the referee pointed to the white spot.
However, Bukayo Saka, the penalty taker, failed to make the most of his opportunity. His shot was saved by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
In the 28th minute, Madrid claimed a penalty. However, after checking the VAR, the referee decided there was no foul.
Despite continued pressure, Madrid were unable to break through the Arsenal defence. The score remained 0-0 at the break.
Madrid continued to dominate play in the second half. However, in the first 15 minutes of the second half, Madrid still struggled to break through Arsenal’s defense.
In the 65th minute, Arsenal scored the first goal. Saka made up for his miss in the first half by scoring on a pass from Mikel Merina. The score was 0-1.
However, two minutes later Madrid equalized. Madrid’s goal came from Vinicius, who capitalized on a mistake by Saliba.
Arsenal secured the win with a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli.
With this win, Arsenal advance to the Champions League semifinals with a 5-1 aggregate score. In the semifinals, Arsenal will face PSG, who eliminated Aston Villa.
