UCL: Arsenal Scrape Into Semi-Finals, Bayern Edge Madrid In 7-Goal Thriller To Advance

Arsenal edged into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals despite being held to a tense 0–0 draw by Sporting CP in the second leg of their quarter-final clash, progressing 1–0 on aggregate.

Holding a slender advantage from last week’s first-leg victory in Portugal, Arsenal were made to work hard at the Emirates Stadium as Sporting pushed relentlessly for an equaliser that would have levelled the tie.

The first half produced few clear-cut chances, with both sides struggling to break each other down in a cagey contest. Arsenal, guided by manager Mikel Arteta, prioritised defensive discipline, while Sporting sought to exploit spaces on the counter.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals after a pulsating 4–3 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final, sealing a 6–4 aggregate triumph in a dramatic encounter at the Allianz Arena.

The tie, finely poised heading into the return leg, exploded into life early on when Arda Güler stunned the home crowd with a sixth-minute opener for Real Madrid. The young Turkish midfielder finished calmly to give the visitors an early advantage and briefly tilt momentum in their favour.

Bayern, however, responded with urgency and composure. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović levelled matters in the 29th minute after a well-worked move involving Joshua Kimmich, restoring parity on the night and aggregate.

Real Madrid were not to be subdued easily. Güler struck again in the 38th minute, capping a brilliant individual display to put the Spanish giants back in front. Yet Bayern’s response was immediate and emphatic, as Harry Kane combined with Dayot Upamecano to equalise just two minutes later in a breathless spell of attacking football.

The drama intensified before the break when Éder Militão briefly restored Madrid’s lead, only for Kylian Mbappé to extend it further in the 44th minute after being teed up by Vinícius Júnior. At half-time, Madrid led 3–2 on the night, leaving the tie delicately balanced.

The second half saw Bayern regroup under coach Vincent Kompany, who urged his side forward in search of a decisive response. Despite mounting pressure, Madrid’s defence, marshalled by Antonio Rüdiger, held firm for long stretches, with Eduardo Camavinga also putting in a resolute display.

As the clock ticked down, Bayern found their breakthrough. Substitute Leroy Sané drew the hosts level at 3–3 deep into stoppage time after combining with Jamal Musiala, igniting wild celebrations and shifting the aggregate advantage firmly in Bayern’s favour.

Moments later, Michael Olise delivered the decisive blow. The winger latched onto a pass from Kane in the dying seconds to fire home Bayern’s fourth goal of the night, completing a stunning comeback and sealing a memorable 6–4 aggregate victory.

The result ends Real Madrid’s hopes of adding to their illustrious European record this season, while Bayern march on with renewed belief. For Kompany’s side, this was a statement performance—resilient, clinical, and brimming with attacking quality when it mattered most.

Bayern will now look ahead to the semi-finals, buoyed by a thrilling triumph that underlined their pedigree on Europe’s biggest stage.