‘Incredible Mental Strength’ Saka hailed after Arsenal triumph over Real Madrid

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed Bukayo Saka’s “incredible” resilience to bounce back from missing a penalty against Real Madrid.

Saka’s first-half spot-kick was saved by Thibaut Courtois in their Champions League quarter-final second leg, but Saka responded by scoring in the second-half in his side’s 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Though many were anticipating a Madrid comeback after the match, Arteta says he was incredibly proud of the way Saka handled a difficult moment.

“With Bukayo, again he stepped up,” the Arsenal boss said.

“Obviously he didn’t score (the penalty) and that could have been a turning point in the game because it gave them a lot of belief.

“The way he handled the situation, the way he played afterwards and the personality he showed, at his age, the first time he has played in this stadium, incredible.”

David Alaba of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Bukayo Saka of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC  (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Arsenal already led 3-0 in the tie going into the second-leg following their victory at the Emirates and beat the reigning champions again thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner.

Declan Rice again proved crucial in the victory following his magnificent free-kick double in the first leg and Arteta described the midfielder as “immense”.

“He’s been decisive in the tie,” he said.

“Today, in a different way. I thought he was immense, his presence, the power that he showed, how composed he was with and without the ball.

“I think he led the team in many moments and turned the game in our favour.

“That’s what you need, players at this level to step up. We need big contributions and he has certainly done that.”

Arsenal will now face PSG in the semi-finals of the competition and Arteta says he has never been proud of his group of players.

“Probably not, and not only because we are in the semi-final (of this competition) for a third time in our history but the manner and the way we did it,” he said.

“Not only the way we played but with the circumstances, the amount of injuries that we have.

“I think overall it shows the character of this team, of this club, and it’s a night to be very proud of.

“It’s certainly another massive step. The way we finished last year and the way we’ve done it this year against the team with the highest honours in this competition, it’s incredible.”