Declan Rice delivered a Champions League masterclass, scoring the first two free-kick goals of his career, as Arsenal swept aside Real Madrid with a dominant 3-0 first-leg victory in their quarter-final clash.
Mikel Arteta had urged fans to arrive early and bring the energy, and the Emirates crowd responded, setting the stage for a memorable night. Arsenal took the initiative from kickoff, bombarding the Madrid box with dangerous crosses.
Real Madrid’s first clear chance came in the 20th minute when Vinicius Jr curled an effort just wide, but the Spanish giants struggled to impose themselves throughout.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute, when Rice bent a sublime free-kick past Thibaut Courtois, curling it around the wall into the bottom corner.
Twelve minutes later, he repeated the feat with an equally stunning strike, this time guiding the ball into the top-right corner, leaving Courtois rooted and the Madrid bench in disbelief.
Moments later, Mikel Merino made it three, slotting a precise effort into the bottom corner from inside the box, capping a sensational five-minute blitz that crushed Madrid’s hopes.
To compound Madrid’s misery, Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in stoppage time after picking up a second yellow card.
This commanding win gives Arsenal a huge advantage heading into the second leg and marks their best shot at reaching the Champions League semi-finals since the 2008-09 season.
Arsenal Ignite Dream of European Glory
Despite being the less experienced side on the continental stage, Arsenal’s ruthless edge eclipsed that of 15-time champions Real Madrid.
Bukayo Saka was electric down the flank, tormenting David Alaba, and could’ve had an assist in the first half if his cross had been converted.
Even with injury concerns — including the absence of Kai Havertz — the Gunners didn’t falter. Jakub Kiwior stepped up in defense, and Merino, who now has five goals in his last nine games, carried the scoring burden like a seasoned striker.
Jude Bellingham and Alaba had to clear goal-bound efforts off the line, as Arsenal threatened to make it four.
Arteta’s side, battered by injuries all season, are now daring to believe in Champions League glory.
Madrid Collapse Under Pressure
Real Madrid, entering this clash with just two wins in five matches, were a shadow of their usual selves.
Despite Courtois’ pre-match warning about Arsenal’s set-piece threat, the Spanish side looked disorganized and vulnerable throughout.
Their attacking flair was absent, and Kylian Mbappé’s best opportunity was denied by David Raya. The defensive issues continue to haunt them — Madrid have kept just two clean sheets in their last 11 games across all competitions.
To progress, Madrid now face the daunting task of overturning a three-goal deficit and keeping Arsenal out at the Bernabéu, something even their magical Champions League history might struggle to rescue.
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