Bukayo Saka saw his chipped penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois midway through what was a goalless but highly eventful first half at the Bernabeu.

Despite the miss, Arsenal remain in a commanding position in the tie, as Miekel Arteta’s side look to keep Real’s much-talked about ‘remontada’ at bay.

But ominous signs for the Gunners were there from the off as Kylian Mbappe’s early goal was chalked off for offside.

Saka then had a couple of efforts fly narrowly wide before the winger was given a fine opportunity to extend his side’s three goal aggregate advantage when Raul Asencio hauled down Mikel Merino and the referee pointed to the spot.

BUKAYO SAKA MISSES! ⛔

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But the England man, amid a raucous chorus of whistles from the home fans, opted for the panenka which was read by Courtois, who palmed the tame effort round the post.

The miss only seemed to increase the volume inside the stadium. Los Blancos then thought they had a spot-kick of their own when Mbappe fell to the turf under Declan Rice.

However, following a lengthy VAR check, the on-field decision was overturned and Arsenal’s record of never conceding against Real remained intact.

A goalless first 45 will come as a welcome relief to Arsenal fans, but if there is one side that should never be written off, it is Real.