Arsenal Demolishes Real Madrid 3-0 In Declan Rice’s Night (Image: x.com/Arsenal)
It was the night of Arsenal’s defensive midfielder Declan Rice at Emirates when the Gunners outsmarted European champions Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Rice excelled with two sublime free kicks, one of a Roberto Carlos standard, while the other an amalgamation of all the best free-kick takers in football history.
Rice, who made a high-profile move to Arsenal in July 2023, signing a long-term contract for a club-record initial fee of £100 million, potentially rising to £105 million with add-ons, was the hero of the night as the Londoners secured one of their biggest European victories. Rice, a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield, known for his strength, tackling ability, stamina, and ability to carry the ball, broke the deadlock in the second half with a Carlos-esque free kick that moved the entire stadium. Then, in another 12 minutes, he repeated the magic as the fans and his own manager, Mikel Arteta, were seen expressing their disbelief.
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Real Madrid’s downfall was sealed five minutes later when Mikel Merino scored another fabulous goal.
On the thrilling night at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid set a strong foundation for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. The Gunners showcased tactical discipline and clinical finishing to outclass the 15-time champions with big names in world football, who struggled to find their rhythm in north London.
The first half saw Arsenal dominate possession with 53.5%, creating several chances but failing to break the deadlock, thanks to a superb double save from Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois just before halftime. The game shifted decisively after the break. In the 58th minute, Declan Rice ignited the Emirates with a stunning free-kick, curling an unstoppable shot around the wall to beat Courtois. Rice struck again in the 70th minute, converting another expertly taken set-piece, this time won by the electric Bukayo Saka, who tormented Real’s defense, especially David Alaba on the right flank, all evening. Five minutes later, Mikel Merino, playing as a makeshift striker, sealed the rout with a composed left-footed finish from a Myles Lewis-Skelly assist, swiveling to find the bottom corner.
Arsenal’s defensive solidity was equally impressive. William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior neutralized Real’s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo, limiting them to just three shots on goal. These big names remained mere spectators as Arsenal created mayhem in the Real half throughout the entire night. Real’s frustration culminated late when Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men. Arsenal’s 11 shots on goal compared to Real’s three underscored their dominance, with David Raya rarely tested.
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The atmosphere at the Emirates was electric, with fans chanting “Ole” as Arsenal toyed with a deflated Real side. Arteta’s men now head to the Santiago Bernabéu next week, on April 16, with a commanding lead, though they’ll be wary of Real’s history of dramatic comebacks. For now, Arsenal fans savour one of their greatest nights in recent memory, while Carlo Ancelotti faces a daunting task to overturn the deficit.
