Penalty Dramas Define Early Moments in Real Madrid vs Arsenal Clash

VAR Reversals and Missed Opportunities Set the Tone at the Bernabeu.

As if Arsenal leading by 3 goals going into a second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu wasn’t dramatic enough! The match begins bringing more drama with it. Penalty missed and a decision for penalty overturned within the first 30 minutes of the match. The tone of the game is set. And it says, the game isn’t over until it’s over.

Arsenal’s Missed Penalty

Both teams have gone through the ringer already as the story began with the Gunners getting a golden opportunity to extend their lead within 15 minutes into the game. Mikel Merino was brought down inside the Madrid box by Raul Asencio and the referee did not hesitate to show the yellow card.

Saliba's reaction to no penalty given to Real Madrid😂 pic.twitter.com/8IbO5CeShd
— Vusi⚽️ (@vusani_mkhize) April 16, 2025

Of course the VAR review happened and the referee pointed to the spot soon after. Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the penalty and opted for a Panenka-style shot towards the right of the net. Thibaut Courtois leaped to the correct side, got his hand on the ball and saved the ball from hitting the net.

Also Read: Raphinha primed to finish as top-scorer in 2024-25 UEFA Champions League: Full list of odds for all players to win the prize

Penalty Decision for Madrid Reversed

The saved penalty left the scoreline unchanged and providing Real Madrid with a morale boost. The morale could have further gone up as very shortly after, Real Madrid believed they had earned a penalty. Declan Rice was penalized for a challenge on Kylian Mbappe inside the Gunners box.

This time as well, the referee did not hesitate to show a yellow card to Rice and point to The spot. However, after what seemed like a lifetime-worth of a long VAR review (about 5 minutes!), it was determined that Mbappe went down too easily in the box. Thus, leading to the reversal of the penalty decision and the rescinding of Rice’s booking.

Also Read: Real Madrid’s Greatest Comebacks in Champions League History

These early incidents have underscored the high stakes and tension of the match. Both teams have narrowly missed chances to alter the game’s momentum early into the match. However, for neutral supporters, these are the European game nights fans wait for. And it’s certainly delivering.

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka

Champions League

Declan Rice

Kylian Mbappe

Raul Asensio

Real Madrid

UCL 2024-25

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.