The tie was sufficient to send the Londoners to the last eight on a 1-0 aggregate victory as a Thierry Henry goal gave them a stunning win in Madrid two weeks ago in the first leg.

The home side defended well and were dangerous on the break with defending midfielders Gilberto Silva and Fabregas marshalling the midfield and Henry disturbing the Real back four.

Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes missed a rare opportunity before the break after Henry outpaced two challengers and fed him inside the area but the Spaniard fired against the woodwork with the goal at his mercy.

Robert Pires almost scored a historical goal from his own half-field late in the second period when Real keeper Iker Casillas was stranded after he advanced to into Arsenal's box to connect with a corner-kick.

The ball was cleared and the Arsenal winger sent it from the halfway line but defender Roberto Carlos stopped it just on the goal line.