Arsenal Dominates Real Madrid in Champions League Quarter-Final
Declan Rice's two stunning free-kicks and Mikel Merino's strike secure a 3-0 victory, leaving Real Madrid with a steep challenge in the return leg.
In a striking performance at the Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2025, Arsenal defeated reigning champions Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
The match showcased exceptional talent from Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who scored two goals from free-kicks in the second half, propelling his team closer to a potential semi-final appearance.
The first half ended without any goals, as both teams struggled to seize control.
Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé were largely contained, while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka made several incisive runs.
The best opportunity for Madrid arose when Jude Bellingham set Mbappé up, but the French forward's shot was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The second half witnessed a dramatic shift as Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a well-placed free-kick from over 20 meters.
The set-piece took advantage of a poorly positioned wall set by Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Just a minute later, Arsenal nearly doubled their lead, but Courtois made a series of crucial saves, including an effort from Martinelli.
Rice struck again in the 70th minute, this time executing another free-kick that curled into the top corner, marking only the second time in his career that he had scored from a free-kick.
The last player to score two free-kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League was Ernst Happel in 1956.
Mikel Merino sealed the match with a precise left-footed strike in the 75th minute, benefitting from an assist from Leandro Trossard, who had replaced Saka earlier in the match.
As the match progressed, Real Madrid's challenges intensified, culminating in Eduardo Camavinga receiving a second yellow card, leaving the team with ten men for the remainder of the match.
The result puts Arsenal in a strong position heading into the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, while Real Madrid faces a significant uphill battle to overturn the deficit.
This match also marked a critical point in manager Carlo Ancelotti's tenure, as Madrid experienced their eleventh defeat of the season, raising questions about the team's performance amidst an ongoing search for form in the Champions League.
The match showcased exceptional talent from Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who scored two goals from free-kicks in the second half, propelling his team closer to a potential semi-final appearance.
The first half ended without any goals, as both teams struggled to seize control.
Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé were largely contained, while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka made several incisive runs.
The best opportunity for Madrid arose when Jude Bellingham set Mbappé up, but the French forward's shot was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The second half witnessed a dramatic shift as Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a well-placed free-kick from over 20 meters.
The set-piece took advantage of a poorly positioned wall set by Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Just a minute later, Arsenal nearly doubled their lead, but Courtois made a series of crucial saves, including an effort from Martinelli.
Rice struck again in the 70th minute, this time executing another free-kick that curled into the top corner, marking only the second time in his career that he had scored from a free-kick.
The last player to score two free-kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League was Ernst Happel in 1956.
Mikel Merino sealed the match with a precise left-footed strike in the 75th minute, benefitting from an assist from Leandro Trossard, who had replaced Saka earlier in the match.
As the match progressed, Real Madrid's challenges intensified, culminating in Eduardo Camavinga receiving a second yellow card, leaving the team with ten men for the remainder of the match.
The result puts Arsenal in a strong position heading into the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, while Real Madrid faces a significant uphill battle to overturn the deficit.
This match also marked a critical point in manager Carlo Ancelotti's tenure, as Madrid experienced their eleventh defeat of the season, raising questions about the team's performance amidst an ongoing search for form in the Champions League.
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