Arsenal player ratings vs Real Madrid: Declan Rice drops another masterclass as Myles Lewis-Skelly steps up again | OneFootball

One of the best midfielders in the world on the biggest stage

Arsenal booked a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League by a historic victory at the Bernabeu.

The Gunners came into the second leg of this quarter-final with a commanding lead after winning 3-0 at Emirates Stadium last week.

This clash in Madrid proved a nervy affair, though, especially after Bukayo Saka had a penalty saved inside the opening 15 minutes.

Saka redeemed himself after the break by putting Arsenal ahead and, after Vinicius Junior had pulled one back, Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner right at the death.

Simon Collings was at the Bernabeu to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 7

Did not have a save to make in the first half, however he was great claiming cross and distribution was decent, too.

Jurrien Timber 8

A performance that underlined why he is arguably Arsenal’s player of the season. Battled so well with Vinicius Jr all night.

William Saliba 7

Was having a great game until a sloppy moment on the ball allowed Vinicius Jr to score. A rare mistake from a player of his quality.

Jakub Kiwior 8

Probably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt. Stepped up in the absence of Gabriel and was a rock at the back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 8

Crazy to think he had not even made his debut before the start of this season. Handled the heat of the Bernabeu like a seasoned pro.

Martin Odegaard 6

Had a difficult first half as his passing was off. Better after the break and created a good chance for Saka. Pressed well from the front.

Thomas Partey 8

Brilliant in the first leg and he was excellent again, here. Screened the defence so well and gave Arsenal some control. The only blemish was a booking, which means he is suspended for the first leg of the semi-final.

Declan Rice 9

A colossal performance. Felt like he was everywhere and the midfielder made so many tackles and interceptions. Relief after VAR overturned a penalty he thought he’d given away.

Bukayo Saka 7

A game of two halves for the winger. He missed a penalty in the first half after attempting a Panenka, but scored a chipped effort after the break. A mentality monster.

Mikel Merino 8

Played upfront and, once again, led the line well. Created Saka’s goal with a lovely pass and then setup Martinelli for the winner, too.

Gabriel Martinelli 8

Arsenal used him as an out-ball and he was an effective outlet. Capped off a fine performance with the winning goal right at the death.

Substitutions

Leandro Trossard (Saka 76’) N/A

Kieran Tierney (Martinelli 90’) N/A

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Rice 90’) N/A

Subs not used: Neto, Setford, White, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Henry-Francis, Nwaneri, Rosiak