Arsenal made 'big statement' against Real Madrid, says Saka
Arsenal earned a 5-1 aggregate win over holders Real Madrid in the Champions League to reach the last four for the first time since 2009.
Bukayo Saka says Arsenal's demolition of Champions League holders Real Madrid was a statement of intent.
The Gunners have qualified for the Champions League semi-final for the third time in their history, after 2005-06 and 2008-09, with this their first appearance at this stage for 16 years.
Saka missed a first-half penalty, but scored Arsenal's opening goal in their 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu to seal a 5-1 aggregate win, with Gabriel Martinelli getting the late winner on Wednesday after Vinicius Junior had restored parity on the night.
Overall, it is the 30th time an English side have advanced to the semi-finals in the competition, with only Spanish teams (38) having done so more.
They will now face Paris Saint-Germain for a place in the final for only the second time, having lost to Barcelona in 2006.
"We showed that we can play in Europe and beat one of the best teams in the world, home and away. Very proud of this team," Saka told TNT Sports.
"Tonight was a big statement, and I am so happy for everyone."
When Saka's Panenka-style chipped penalty was saved by Thibaut Courtois early on with the score 0-0, it felt like a potentially pivotal moment, but Arsenal were comfortable as they easily consolidated their 3-0 first-leg advantage.
Saka also responded well and has been directly involved in 15 goals in 16 Champions League appearances for Arsenal (nine goals, six assists).
Arsenal are unbeaten in their four games against Madrid in European competition (W3 D1), while only one side have ever gone more consecutive games against Los Blancos in the European Cup/Champions League without losing (seven for Lyon, September 2005-February 2011).
"It can happen. I tried something, but it didn't work. I was confident I was going to score tonight," Saka said.
"I learn in every moment. Tonight, I am more focused on enjoying the win, and then I will review it properly."
PSG, who knocked out Premier League leaders Liverpool in the last 16 and Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, will be a formidable hurdle for Arsenal, who will be at home in the first leg of the semi-final at the end of April.
"I see them playing with much more confidence. We will be ready and it will be a very good match," Saka added.
Mikel Arteta became the 10th different Spanish manager to reach a Champions League semi-final, with only Italy (11) having more different coaches do so in the competition's history.
Arteta described the victory over Real Madrid as one of the best moments of his career.
"I'm really proud of the players," the Spaniard said. "After two or three minutes, you realise that anything can happen."
Looking ahead to the clash against PSG, who Arsenal beat 2-0 in the group phase earlier this season, Arteta said they are an incredible team.
"They are a different team now and are on an incredible run at the moment, and I know the manager really well," said Arteta, who was at PSG during his playing career.
"But we showed tonight we can compete against any team."