Tensions ran high at the Bernabeu during Arsenal’s dramatic Champions League quarter-final victory, with Bukayo Saka becoming involved in a fiery confrontation with Real Madrid’s sidelined defender Dani Carvajal.
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The clash took place as the players were heading down the tunnel at half-time. ..Continue Reading
Saka, who had earlier seen his cheeky Panenka penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois, was approached by Carvajal, who has been out of action since October due to an ACL injury.
According to reports, Carvajal grabbed Saka by the neck and made some heated gestures, triggering a tense exchange between the pair.
The situation quickly intensified as teammates rushed to separate them. Saka shoved Carvajal in response, and Arsenal defender Ben White stepped in to back up his teammate.
Though the exact cause of Carvajal’s aggression remains unclear, there is speculation that he may have made a comment about Saka’s missed penalty in the first half.
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Saka’s attempt at a Panenka was easily caught by Courtois, after referee Francois Letexier awarded Arsenal the spot kick for a foul by Raul Asencio on Mikel Merino during a corner, according to The Mirror.
BBC Radio Five Live commentator and ex-Arsenal player Matthew Upson expressed disbelief at Saka’s penalty style. He said: “I just can’t believe the selection of penalty here from Bukayo Saka.
“I am so surprised. It’s such a bad penalty. He’s chipped it to the side Thibaut Courtois dives to.”
TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist couldn’t hide his astonishment at the penalty save. He said: “I can’t believe it. The goalkeeper does unbelievable.
“It’s not a great pen. He gives the goalkeeper an opportunity to lift a left hand, and the left hand is strong.”
Despite an early disappointment, Saka sent the Emirates into raptures in the 65th minute, calmly slotting home a clinical finish after a well-timed pass from Mikel Merino to open the scoring.
Real Madrid quickly hit back through Vinicius Jr, who took advantage of an uncharacteristic mistake by William Saliba to level the match.
However, Arsenal’s defence held their ground, shutting down any hopes Madrid had of overturning their 3-0 first-leg deficit.
In stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli put the result beyond doubt, rifling in a late goal to secure a 2-1 win for the Gunners on the night and a commanding 5-1 triumph on aggregate.
