Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta revealed he was so frustrated by Bukayo Saka’s missed penalty against Real Madrid that he “wanted to slap” the young star—though he was quick to add that he was more concerned about the emotional impact on the team.
The high-stakes Champions League quarter-final clash at the Santiago Bernabéu saw Arsenal awarded a penalty in the 13th minute. Saka, typically reliable from the spot, opted for a daring Panenka-style chip. However, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois remained calm, easily saving the attempt.
Despite the early miss, Saka redeemed himself later in the match, scoring from open play and helping Arsenal secure a 2-1 win on the night and a 5-1 aggregate triumph. This victory earned Arsenal a place in the semi-finals for the third time in their history.
Asked about his reaction to Saka’s penalty miss, Arteta responded with a wry smile:
“I didn’t want to die, but maybe I wanted to slap him,” Arteta joked. “He made that decision, he was bold enough to do it, and he missed. I was more concerned about the emotional part, what it could do for us. But the personality he showed at his age, in his first time playing in this stadium, was incredible.”
Saka, whose night was filled with both risk and redemption, took the opportunity to reflect on his penalty attempt:
“It can happen. I tried something, but it didn’t work,” Saka said. “I was confident I was going to score tonight. I learn in every moment. Tonight, I am more focused on enjoying the win, and then I will review it properly.”
The result marks a landmark moment in Arsenal’s European journey, as they reach the semi-finals for the first time in over a decade. Having previously reached the semi-finals in 2006 and 2009, the Gunners will now face Paris Saint-Germain. The first leg will take place at Emirates Stadium on April 29, with the second leg scheduled for May 7 in Paris. The winner will secure a spot in the Champions League final in Munich on May 31.
