Bukayo Saka in Heated Tunnel Clash with Real Madrid Star After Arsenal Thriller

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was involved in a heated confrontation with injured Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal as tensions flared at half-time of their Champions League quarter-final clash at the Bernabeu.

Saka, who saw his Panenka-style penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois earlier in the first half, was heading down the tunnel when Carvajal grabbed him by the neck and raised a hand toward him, sparking a fiery exchange.

Clearly irritated by the Real veteran's actions, Saka shoved Carvajal away before Arsenal substitute Ben White stepped in to support his teammate. Carvajal, who has been out since October with an ACL injury, appeared to make a comment—possibly referencing Saka’s miss from the spot—though his exact words remain unknown.

The incident added another layer of intensity to an already charged night in Madrid.

Bukayo Saka’s Panenka-style penalty was comfortably saved by Thibaut Courtois after referee Francois Letexier pointed to the spot, ruling that Raul Asencio had pulled down Mikel Merino in the box during a corner.

Reacting on BBC Radio Five Live, former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson said: “I just can’t believe the penalty choice from Bukayo Saka. I’m really surprised. It’s such a poor penalty—he’s chipped it right where Courtois was diving.”

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TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist added: “I can’t believe it. The goalkeeper does brilliantly. It’s not a good penalty—he gives Courtois a chance to get a strong left hand to it.”

Despite the miss, Saka would go on to silence his critics and Carvajal in the second half, breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute with a composed finish after a clever pass from Merino.

Real Madrid responded swiftly, as Vinicius Jr capitalised on a mistake by William Saliba to level the score, but Arsenal’s disciplined defence prevented any serious threat of a comeback. Gabriel Martinelli sealed the Gunners’ 2-1 win on the night with a stoppage-time goal, confirming their progression with a 5-2 aggregate victory.