Inside Arsenal’s Bernabeu celebrations: FaceTime with Thierry Henry, Lewis-Skelly headlock and a later flight | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka leads celebrations as Gunners cherish famous win over Real Madrid

Semi-final time: Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Bukayo Saka led Arsenal’s celebrations after their famous victory over Real Madrid by FaceTiming Thierry Henry.

Arsenal beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Bernabeu on Wednesday to seal a 5-1 aggregate win and book a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in 16 years.

Saka scored the opening goal having missed an earlier penalty and Gabriel Martinelli struck a late winner after Vinicius Junior had equalised for Real Madrid.

Saka revealed afterwards his plan to speak to Henry, who has become a mentor for him in recent years and gives him advice and support whenever he wants it.

Saka celebrating on the pitch at the Bernabeu

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal often fly back immediately after their European away games, but this time they stayed in Madrid at the Four Seasons Hotel in the centre of the city as Saka and his team-mates tried to get some sleep after a historic win.

It was the early hours of Thursday morning when the Arsenal squad got back to their hotel and they had celebrated wildly on the pitch at the Bernabeu before that.

Saka had led the celebrations, sharing a group hug with Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta and William Saliba in the middle of the pitch.

William Saliba celebrates in the dressing room

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Arsenal players then made their way to the corner of the ground where their fans were housed at the top of the stadium.

By this point, Saka had his shirt off and was whipping it around his head. Declan Rice, man of the match on the night, raised both fists in the air to salute the travelling fans.

The players then all linked arms and ran in the direction of the Arsenal supporters before jumping in the air.

Many of them did not want to head back inside as they lapped up the applause.

Myles Lewis-Skelly eventually wandered back to the dressing room, but he was swiftly mobbed by fellow teenager Tommy Setford.

The goalkeeper grabbed Lewis-Skelly and playfully put him in a headlock, before bringing him in for a big hug.

Back home, those who could not make the trip due to injury celebrated, too.

Gabriel watched the match with his family and friends, posting a video of his celebrations on social media.

With his leg in a brace, the Brazilian did his best to keep his composure while sat on the sofa, as his family jumped around the room.