The meeting between Arsenal and Real Madrid, in the quarter-final return of the Champions League, was marked by a moment of tension and suspense. If Arsenal finally won the game on the score of 2-1, ensuring his qualification for the semifinals with a cumulative score of 5-1 on both matches, defender William Saliba had a critical moment. A costly mistake, characterized by a loss of bullet in its own surface, allowed Vinicius Junior to equalize for Real Madrid, offering a fleeting hope to the Merengues.

Despite this blunder, Arsenal’s strength proved decisive, allowing the Gunners to retain the advantage and win their semifinals, a first since 2009. William Saliba’s performances, in addition to this unfortunate mistake, were generally praised, with Foot Mercato scoring 6.5/10. He demonstrated a rigorous and imperial defence against the opposing offensives, notably by skillfully controlling Mbappé behind his back, thereby protecting the cage of his guard.

This match therefore highlighted the intensity of European football and the significant impact of a single moment on the course of a match. Arsenal’s qualification testifies to his resilience and determination, while William Saliba’s mistake recalls the very fragility of the most talented players. The English team is now approaching the semifinals with the ambition to continue its journey towards the final victory.