According to reports, Real Madrid needed to capitalize on every opportunity against Arsenal after suffering a 3-0 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates. The Santiago Bernabeu was packed with fans hoping for a historic comeback.

Arsenal had an early penalty chance that could have made Real’s task even harder, but Thibaut Courtois saved Bukayo Saka’s chipped effort, keeping Madrid’s slim hopes alive.

Real pushed forward in response, and in the 23rd minute, a cross into the box led to a major opportunity. Declan Rice, the star of the first leg, fouled Kylian Mbappe, prompting the referee to point to the spot and book the Arsenal midfielder.

The Bernabeu erupted, ready to celebrate a step toward the comeback, but the referee consulted VAR and decided to review the incident himself. After a lengthy check that drew protests from fans, he overturned the penalty decision! The reversal sparked furious reactions from Real Madrid players and supporters, who argued that the referee took too long to make his decision. The missed opportunity left Los Blancos still searching for the opening goal.