Arsenal delivered a stunning performance, thrashing Champions League holders Real Madrid 3-0, with Declan Rice scoring two incredible free-kicks that put the Gunners on the verge of reaching the semi-finals.
Rice’s two magnificent second-half free-kicks at the Emirates Stadium were followed by a third goal from Mikel Merino.
Real Madrid’s night worsened when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the final minutes for kicking the ball away, leaving the Spanish giants in disarray.
Rice’s exceptional brace was the talking point, with even Real Madrid’s usually reliable goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, unable to get near either of the midfielder’s powerful strikes. Remarkably, Rice had never scored a free-kick before his first goal found the back of the net.
Arsenal’s dominant and mature performance, which exposed an injury-hit Real Madrid, fully deserved the victory.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now travel to the Bernabeu for the second leg on April 16 as strong favorites to progress to a semi-final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa.
The Gunners haven’t reached the Champions League semi-finals since 2009, but this ambition is now within reach after a memorable night in the club’s history.
Arteta had described the match against Real as the “biggest night” of his career, urging his players to make history by winning Arsenal’s first Champions League title. They emphatically rose to the occasion.
While Arsenal trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 11 points, the Champions League now presents Arteta with a genuine opportunity for his first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, provided they can finish the job in Madrid next week.
Having been knocked out by Bayern Munich in last season’s quarter-finals, Arsenal’s only Champions League final appearance ended in defeat to Barcelona in 2006.
For Real Madrid, this was a humbling defeat, their 10th in all competitions this season, as they currently sit four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Key players like Jude Bellingham were largely ineffective, and Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior posed only occasional threats.
Despite some early pressure from Real Madrid’s attack, Arsenal grew into the game, with Rice’s header forcing a good save from Courtois.
In the second half, Arsenal took control, with Rice scoring his first stunning free-kick in the 58th minute.
Arsenal continued to press, and after a flurry of chances, Rice scored his second spectacular free-kick in the 70th minute. Merino then added a third goal for Arsenal, sealing a memorable 3-0 victory.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
