3 standout players from Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid

No, there was no remontada on Wednesday night. Arsenal produced a measured and controlled display at the Santiago Bernabeu to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.

The Gunners' task was merely not to lose by three in the Spanish capital, but Mikel Arteta wasn't content with merely holding onto what their side brought with them from last week's special night in N5.

There was first-half chaos from the penalty spot but little sense that Real Madrid would work their way back into the tie. Not even when William Saliba inexplicably allowed Vinicius Junior to level on the night.

Arteta's side came of age last Tuesday and seemingly evolved further in Madrid. They performed like potential European champions, and the collective effort was outstanding yet again. This was a display boasting few faults, and picking out three outstanding individuals is mightily tough.

The majority of those in Arteta's XI could make a claim to be included here, but here are the three I think are worthy of the most praise.

1. Jurrien Timber

This was an supreme defensive effort from Arsenal from back to front. The back five were imperious excluding Saliba's concentration lapse. Jakub Kiwior evoked the warrior spirit of Gabriel, and Myles Lewis-Skelly continues to amaze.

However, none of Arsenal's defenders were put in tougher spots than Jurrien Timber on Wednesday night. While the Gunners did their best to ensure the Dutchman wasn't isolated down the right, he often found himself locked eye-to-eye with Vincius Junior.

The Brazilian hasn't quite matched the heights of last season, but we're still talking about a superstar wide player here. He makes the very best look silly with his ability to explode from a standing start, but Timber was never once overawed by Vini Jr's talent. The right-back is a world-class one-v-one defender, and that was evident again on Wednesday night. The Madrid winger completed just one of four attempted dribbles (via SofaScore) as a result of Timber's sound technique and impressive athleticism.

Much of Madrid's play was funnelled out to the left flank, and Timber was key in ensuring Los Blancos rarely threatened David Raya's goal.

2. Declan Rice

£105m has never looked so cheap.

There was no free-kick masterclass from Declan Rice in the second leg, but his all-around display was perhaps more impressive. He was named UEFA's Man of the Match again, repeating N'Golo Kante's midfield heroics against Real Madrid from 2022.

This was a colossal performance from Rice, who protected his stout defence wonderfully. He worked brilliantly alongside Thomas Partey and was never caught out of position. Rice dominated the midfield zone throughout the tie, and was crucial in ensuring Madrid rarely had joy progressing the ball in central areas.

The midfielder picked off passes at crucial moments and offered his team respite by storming up the pitch. Only Saliba recorded more defensive actions than Rice's 12, and he ended the night with a 96% pass completion - depicting his efficiency with the ball.

Elite.

3. Mikel Merino

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were both on the scoresheet at the Bernabeu, but my final shoutout goes to Mikel Merino.

This wasn't a performance that will make all-time compilations, but the Spaniard's display was absolutely pivotal to Arsenal's success. His work-ethic without the ball has never come into question, but Merino has suffered in possession during his first year at the club,

However, he looks far more at ease as a linker up top than a progressor from midfield. The Spaniard's proving the be the ideal Kai Havertz replacement.

He won half of his eight aerial duels and earned three fouls for his team. Merino, on his return to Spain, was a nuisance. He helped Arsenal get up the pitch, and produced a pass of serious quality to assist Saka's opening goal.

When we look back on this run hopefully with great fondness, we'll remember the part Merino played in the Gunners' slaying on the continent's meanest behemoth.

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