In a night of unforgettable football at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal produced a sensational performance to defeat reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid 3-0 in their quarterfinal first leg. A dominant second-half display, highlighted by a stunning brace of free kicks from Declan Rice and a clinical finish from Mikel Merino, has put the Gunners in a commanding position to reach their first Champions League semifinal since 2009.
Despite a first half where Real Madrid threatened, particularly through Kylian Mbappé, it was Arsenal who seized control after the break. The deadlock was broken in the 58th minute when Declan Rice, remarkably scoring his first-ever direct free kick, expertly curled the ball over the Madrid wall and past the outstretched Thibaut Courtois.
Just twelve minutes later, Rice repeated the feat with another breathtaking free kick, this time finding the top corner with unerring accuracy. The Emirates erupted, and the atmosphere reached fever pitch moments later when Mikel Merinoadded a third with a smart first-time finish, leaving Real Madrid reeling.
Despite the brilliance of goalkeeper Courtois, who had earlier made several crucial saves, Real Madrid were unable to find a response. Their misery was compounded in stoppage time when Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card for dissent and was sent off.
This emphatic victory marks a historic night for Arsenal and leaves Real Madrid facing a daunting task in the second leg next Wednesday. The Gunners faithful will be dreaming of a place in the Champions League semifinals after witnessing one of their team’s finest European nights.
Arsenal delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg, with Declan Rice scoring two incredible free kicks and Mikel Merino adding a third.Real Madrid now faces a huge challenge to overturn the deficit in the return leg.
