Saka misses penalty against Real Madrid: Arsenal hold draw at Bernabéu

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid erupted with intensity on Wednesday, April 16, at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Real Madrid and Arsenal played out a 0-0 draw in the second leg, with the Gunners securing their semifinal spot thanks to a 3-0 first-leg victory in London. The match’s defining moment came at the 12-minute mark of the first half when Arsenal’s star Bukayo Saka attempted a cheeky chip from the penalty spot, only for Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to comfortably save, keeping the scoreboard blank. Despite the miss, Arsenal’s resolute defense withstood relentless pressure from Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., clinching their place against Barcelona in the next round. The hard-fought clash, charged with drama, was streamed live on the MAX platform, with fans tracking every second on social media like X.

The scoreless draw reflects the tactical chess match on display, as Real Madrid controlled possession and created chances but couldn’t breach Arsenal’s disciplined backline. Led by Mikel Arteta, the Gunners stuck to a cautious game plan, leaning on swift counter-attacks through Saka and Gabriel Martinelli while William Saliba’s defense neutralized Real’s threats. For Real Madrid, the elimination in the quarterfinals stings, especially after last season’s triumph, though the Bernabéu crowd saluted the team’s effort until the final whistle. Saka’s penalty blunder, while a talking point, didn’t derail Arsenal’s commanding lead from the first leg, cementing their resurgence among Europe’s elite.

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Though less frequent than other rivalries, the clash between these clubs favors Arsenal, who remain unbeaten against Real Madrid in official competitions. The first leg, powered by two free-kick goals from Declan Rice and one from Mikel Merino, showcased Arsenal’s strength, and the Bernabéu stalemate bolstered their confidence for the Barcelona showdown. For fans, the game was an emotional rollercoaster, with Real Madrid’s supporters igniting the stadium and Arsenal’s faithful celebrating their team’s grit. With the match still unfolding at the 14-minute mark of the first half in this coverage, it’s already clear Arsenal are ready for bigger tests in the tournament.

Key moments of the first half

The game kicked off with both sides showing fierce intent, each trying to dictate the tempo. Real Madrid, needing at least a three-goal win, pressed high, while Arsenal relied on rapid transitions. By the 14-minute mark, several incidents shaped the contest, most notably Saka’s missed penalty and Arsenal’s defensive resilience.

Physicality defined the early exchanges, with hard tackles and yellow cards for Real Madrid players. The refereeing crew, headed by France’s François Letexier, played a pivotal role, awarding Arsenal a penalty after a VAR review, sparking protests from the home side. Despite Saka’s error, Arsenal stayed composed, while Real Madrid pushed forward but lacked precision in front of goal.

• Top moments up to 14 minutes:
  • 1’: Real Madrid’s goal disallowed for Mbappé’s offside after Vinicius Jr.’s move.
  • 3’: Alaba’s harsh foul on Saka earns the Real Madrid left-back a yellow card.
  • 5’: Saka nearly scores with a low, curling shot that narrowly misses Courtois’ goal.
  • 7’: Saka outfoxes Alaba and fires a shot, but Courtois makes a stunning save.
  • 12’: Saka’s chipped penalty is easily stopped by Courtois after Asencio’s foul on Merino.

We're awarded a penalty but Courtois is equal to Saka's attempt.

⚪️ 0-0 ⚫️ (13)

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 16, 2025

How to follow the match live

The Real Madrid vs. Arsenal showdown is streaming exclusively on the MAX platform, which holds Champions League broadcasting rights in Brazil. No open TV or cable channels are airing the game, making streaming the sole option for live viewing. To ensure a smooth experience, fans should log in early, anticipating high traffic for such a high-stakes clash.

Beyond live streaming, real-time updates are available on platforms like X, where journalists, fans, and official accounts share highlights, insights, and reactions. Sports apps and websites also provide minute-by-minute coverage, keeping supporters informed even without streaming access. The shift to digital sports consumption has broadened the reach of matches like this, connecting fans instantly across the globe.

Watching can be elevated with a few simple steps. Logging into MAX ahead of time prevents technical hiccups, and following trusted X accounts ensures instant updates. For fans, the Bernabéu clash offers a chance to soak in the Champions League’s thrill at one of football’s most iconic venues.

Real Madrid’s pressure at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid took to the pitch facing a near-impossible task: overturning a 3-0 deficit. Famous for historic comebacks, like the 2022 stunner against Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti’s side pressed aggressively from the start, pushing their defensive line high to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up. The 81,000-strong Bernabéu crowd created a daunting atmosphere, urging the players to chase an early goal.

In the opening minutes, Real Madrid showed urgency, with Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. driving the attack. A disallowed goal for offside at the 1-minute mark, involving Mbappé, briefly electrified the stands but highlighted the challenge of breaking Arsenal’s defense. Absences like Eduardo Camavinga, suspended, and injuries to Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Andriy Lunin forced Ancelotti to adapt, with Federico Valverde slotting in at right-back.

Real Madrid’s lineup—Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Alaba; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Mbappé—bets on attacking flair, but finishing has been off, as seen in Vinicius Jr.’s mistimed pass at 3 minutes. The defense, already hit with yellows for Alaba and Asencio, looked shaky, especially in the penalty incident involving Merino. Yet, the Bernabéu’s energy keeps Real in the fight for a miracle.

Arsenal’s defensive backbone

Guided by Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have shown poise under Bernabéu’s pressure. Holding a 3-0 lead, the Gunners opted for a compact defensive setup, with tight lines to block Real Madrid’s runs. The backline, anchored by William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior, has been flawless so far, shutting down moves from Mbappé and Rodrygo. Their lineup—David Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Merino—blends solidity with counter-attacking threat.

Saka, despite the penalty miss, has been Arsenal’s spark, creating two dangerous chances at 5 and 7 minutes. His dribbling past Alaba and near-miss shots rattled Real’s defense, though the fluffed penalty may dent his confidence. Martinelli has been quieter, with a cross cleared by Valverde at 5 minutes. Missing key players like Jorginho, Gabriel Magalhães, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, Arteta leans on youngsters like Myles Lewis-Skelly, yet the team’s cohesion holds firm.