London, England – April 8, 2025 – In a stunning display of football at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over the reigning Champions League holders, Real Madrid, in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

A brace of sensational free-kicks from Declan Rice and a well-taken strike from Mikel Merino secured a memorable night for the Gunners and put them in a strong position heading into the return leg in Madrid.

The atmosphere in North London was electric from the outset, with the home fans creating a cauldron of noise.

While Real Madrid threatened on the counter-attack in the first half, with Kylian Mbappé being denied by a smart save from Arsenal keeper David Raya, the Gunners grew into the game and finished the first 45 minutes strongly.

Bukayo Saka, returning to the starting lineup after injury, was a constant menace on the wing, delivering dangerous crosses that Madrid struggled to clear.

The second half belonged entirely to Arsenal. Just before the hour mark, Saka was brought down just outside the Real Madrid penalty area.

Up stepped Declan Rice, who, in a moment of brilliance, curled his free-kick around the wall and just inside the post, leaving Thibaut Courtois with no chance.

The Emirates erupted as Rice celebrated his first-ever direct free-kick goal in his professional career.

If the first goal was special, Rice’s second, just 12 minutes later, was arguably even better. From a similar position on the other side of the D, the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike that soared into the top corner, again leaving Courtois rooted to the spot.

The stadium was in raptures as Arsenal extended their lead to 2-0.

The Gunners weren’t finished there. In the 75th minute, a flowing Arsenal move saw Myles Lewis-Skelly square the ball to Mikel Merino on the edge of the box, and the Spanish midfielder coolly slotted a first-time finish into the bottom corner, making it 3-0.

Real Madrid struggled to respond, and their frustration was compounded in the final minutes when Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card and was sent off, ruling him out of the second leg.

Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was understandably delighted. “I’m very proud,” he said. “We had a very complete performance, and we did what we had to do to win that game. The atmosphere was incredible, and then you have magic moments like Declan’s free-kicks.”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side was second best on the night. “In the second half, we forgot how to play good football,” he said. “3-0 is difficult, but in football, everything can happen. We have to believe.”

The victory marks Arsenal’s first win against Real Madrid since 2006 and puts them in a commanding position to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2009. The return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 16th promises to be a tense affair, but Arsenal will travel to Spain full of confidence after this memorable performance.

Match Highlights:

  • 58′: Declan Rice scores a stunning free-kick to put Arsenal ahead.
  • 70′: Declan Rice scores an even better free-kick to double Arsenal’s lead.
  • 75′: Mikel Merino adds a third for Arsenal with a well-placed finish.
  • 90+4′: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) is sent off for a second yellow card.

Key Stats:

  • Declan Rice became the first player in Champions League history to score two direct free-kicks in a knockout stage match.
  • This was Real Madrid’s joint-heaviest defeat in a Champions League knockout game.

Arsenal fans will be dreaming of a place in the semi-finals, but they know the job is only half done against the 15-time European champions.

However, after this emphatic victory, the Gunners have certainly announced themselves as serious contenders in this year’s Champions League.

 

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