Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham was on fire, making his 47th appearance in the competition, equalling the most by any player aged 21 or under. Meanwhile, Myles-Lewis Skelly became one of just three players aged 18 to start a knockout stage match away to Real in the Champions League.
Arsenal had a golden chance to put the game to bed after just 12 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Bukayo Saka stepped up, but his ill-advised Panenka attempt was saved by Thibaut Courtois. The Real fans went wild, but the Gunners didn't let the miss deter them.
Real Madrid's attack was as lacklustre as ever. They managed just one shot on target in the first half, and that was a long way from their usual flair. The hosts attempted 23 crosses, but completed just three.
Bellingham put in a solid shift, winning six duels in the opening 45 minutes. But his frustration at the lack of penetration in the Arsenal box was clear to see.
It wasn't until the 55th minute that Real Madrid managed their first effort on target. But it was Saka who put the game to bed just nine minutes later, scoring his fifth goal in this season's Champions League. The hosts knew they were in trouble.
Vinicius Junior's goal just two minutes later gave Real Madrid a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late. Arsenal's William Saliba stood tall, making 12 clearances, the most by an Arsenal player in a Champions League match since 2014.
Martinelli's injury-time winner was the icing on the cake for Arsenal. It was a night to remember for Mikel Arteta and his squad, who have now qualified for the semi-finals for the third time in their history.
Real Madrid's big names flattered to deceive, with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe struggling to make an impact. Declan Rice and Thomas Partey were the heroes for Arsenal, forming a brick wall that Real Madrid couldn't break through.
In the end, it was a night that will live long in the memory for Arsenal fans. The Gunners have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League, and they'll be looking forward to their semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
