Arsenal's Thrilling Journey Through Champions League Semifinal Battles

Arsenal have made history by becoming the first club in their illustrious past to reach back-to-back Champions League semifinals.

Having reached the last four in the previous campaign, the Gunners have matched that achievement this season after an outstanding Champions League run. A 1–0 aggregate victory over Sporting CP in a grueling quarterfinal secured their place in the semifinals, and they remain unbeaten throughout this year's tournament.

Atlético Madrid now stand as the next formidable obstacle for Arsenal, and the north London club's limited experience at the semifinal stage of the Champions League could prove costly as they battle for a spot in the grand final in Budapest next month.

Arsenal have seldom progressed past the quarterfinals historically, so just how have they fared on the occasions they have reached the final four of Europe's most prestigious club competition?

Arsenal's Record in Champions League Semifinals Examined

Arsenal featured just twice in the old European Cup format without ever reaching the semifinals, and it took until their eighth appearance in the rebranded Champions League era before they finally broke through the quarterfinal barrier.

Under Arsène Wenger, the Gunners cruised into the semis in 2005–06 in a manner reminiscent of their current form, going unbeaten on their way to a two-legged encounter with Villarreal. Both Real Madrid and Juventus had been knocked out in the earlier knockout rounds in tight, low-scoring contests, and just a single goal separated the sides across 180 minutes against Villarreal.

Kolo Touré netted the only goal in the first leg, and a scoreless second leg in Spain was enough to send Arsenal to their first-ever Champions League final. Sadly, they fell 2–1 to Barcelona in the showpiece, with Jens Lehmann's early dismissal remaining one of the club's most painful memories.

Their second semifinal appearance came just a few years later. Arsenal faced bitter rivals and fellow Premier League side Manchester United in 2008–09. Having once again dispatched Villarreal in the quarterfinals, they were ultimately no match for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, going down 4–1 on aggregate after Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a masterclass in the second leg.

Arsenal's continental form in the years that followed was deeply disappointing for a club of their standing, and it was only last season that they returned to the semifinal stage. A stunning quarterfinal win over record-holders Real Madrid had supporters daring to dream, but eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain proved too strong in the last four, winning both legs to claim a 3–1 aggregate triumph.

Mikel Arteta will be eager to go further than the semifinal this time around, though Arsenal's record of just one win and two defeats at this stage of the competition offers little encouragement.

Arsenal's Complete Semifinal Record in the Champions League