Awesome Arsenal silence Madrid and set up PSG semi: Football Weekly Extra
Apr 17, 2025
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Philippe Auclair, a seasoned football journalist known for his insights on European football, and Nicky Bandini, an expert on Italian football, discuss Arsenal's stunning 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League. They analyze key moments and player performances, contrasting Arsenal's composure with Madrid's struggles. They dive deep into the essence of football greatness beyond just scoring, reflect on the impact of the broadcasting crisis in Ligue 1, and touch upon Inter Milan's evolution in European football amidst financial turmoil.
Arsenal's impressive victory over Real Madrid highlighted their tactical superiority and the emerging impact of players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Inter's victory against Bayern Munich showcased their resilience and maturity, managing to recover from setbacks and demonstrate growth under pressure.
The podcast praised the refereeing standards in this Champions League season, commending officials for effectively managing emotional intensity in high-stakes matches.
Deep dives
Arsenal's Dominant Performance
Arsenal showcased a commanding performance against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, demonstrating control and danger in their play from the start. Declan Rice was particularly noteworthy, displaying exceptional skill and presence in midfield, solidifying his reputation as a top England talent. Despite a missed penalty attempt by Bukayo Saka, the team's resilience was highlighted by Gabriel Martinelli's eventual winning goal, securing a well-deserved victory. Real Madrid struggled throughout the match and resorted to frustration tactics, ultimately failing to match Arsenal's gameplay.
Inter's Path to the Semi-Finals
Inter joined Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals after defeating Bayern Munich, demonstrating mental fortitude when faced with setbacks. After initially trailing to a Harry Kane goal, Inter quickly regained their composure, scoring twice from set-pieces to take control of the match. This victory is seen as a testament to their growth under pressure, with Inter now appearing more mature and self-assured compared to previous tournaments. The team’s determination shines through, despite the difficult conditions they faced during the match.
Refereeing Standards in Champions League
The podcast highlights the notably high standards of refereeing in this season's Champions League, commending officials like Monsieur Le Texier for maintaining control during heated matches. There was significant discussion around the quality of decisions, particularly regarding controversial penalty calls that seemed to balance both teams' claims. Participants remarked on how well referees managed the game's emotional intensity, especially considering Real Madrid's aggressive approach. This positive assessment of match officiating contrasted sharply with criticisms often faced by referees in various leagues.
The Impact of Saka and Rice
Both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were pivotal to Arsenal's success, with Saka's ability to draw defensive focus creating opportunities for teammates. Even after a failed penalty attempt, Saka's performance included a goal that reflected his composure and importance to the team. Rice's contributions in the midfield not only included effective passing and tackling but also highlighted his growing role as a generational talent for England. The synergy between these two players was crucial, with Saka’s offensive prowess complemented by Rice’s defensive stability.
Real Madrid's Disappointing Exit
Real Madrid's exit from the Champions League came with a sense of unexpected embarrassment as the team failed to deliver a competitive performance. Their strategy devolved into excessive fouling and frustration, rather than constructive play, leading to a poor showing that surprised many observers. Star players like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham struggled to make an impact, contributing to a collective underperformance. The podcast suggests that the lack of discipline within the squad and tactical shortcomings were critical factors in their downfall.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Philippe Auclair as Arsenal win 2-1 in Madrid to knock the holders out of the Champions League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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