As the game at the Bernabeu got into gear, and Real Madrid so struggled to open Arsenal up in play, they tried to get at them in a different way. They tried to get into their heads by getting right in their faces. It was a clear tactic, with Bukayo Saka especially targeted. David Alaba went in on him after four minutes. Jude Bellingham had words for Saka before his missed penalty. Dani Carvajal then tried to goad him after it.
Saka simply rose above it by lifting the ball over Thibaut Courtois for the key goal. That happened, however, because Arsenal stood their ground – and then stood up.
