Arsenal have been knocking on the door in their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
The Gunners have channelled the energy of the Emirates Stadium to put the holders of the competition under real pressure in the first half.
Bukayo Saka has been the standout performer for Mikel Arteta’s side, running David Alaba ragged on the right-hand side and delivering a number of dangerous crosses for his team-mates.
But with no recognised striker on the pitch for the hosts, there has been no-one to capitalise on the flashes across Thibaut Courtois’s goal.
Arsenal did also have a penalty appeal waved away by the referee after a Gabriel Martinelli cross appeared to hit the hand of a Madrid defender.
At the other end, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have looked dangerous.
A big first-half display.
Let's keep the energy up, Gunners 🔋 pic.twitter.com/B4zwCm8XLv
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 8, 2025
Kylian Mbappe has been lively in the final third, although rarely stretching David Raya in goal.
Vinicius Junior has also been involved, but there has been no break through heading into the second half.
