(image: x.com/ChampionsLeague)
The nights of the UEFA Champions League are always fiery and fun to watch. The last two nights were no different, as four big first-leg quarter-final matches lit up not just Europe, but the entire footballing world. Here’s a closer look at each game:
Rice’s master class, Arsenal’s dominance over Madrid
Prior to their clash against Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was spotted asking how Real Madrid can go back, winning in front of their 60000 fans. He perfectly accomplished his words in their home stadium. The defending champions were completely taken down by Gunners in a comprehensive 3-0 first leg victory. If not for Courtois, Los Blancos might have conceded a half dozen where he was forced into two great saves in each half.
Declan Rice was the key to this onslaught scoring two fabulous freekick goals becoming the first player to do so in a Champions League knockout game. Interestingly he hadn’t scored any freekick before, in his senior career. His first was in the 58th minute, whipping a sensational effort around the wall and just inside Courtois’ left-hand post. The second was even better, curled straight into the top corner in the 70th minute leaving the Madrid keeper clueless this time.
Mikel Merino’s strike five minutes later was the nail in the coffin for the 15-time champion who offered nothing on the pitch barring a one-on-one effort from Kylian Mbappe, effortlessly saved by Raya. They finished the game even miserable when Camavinga was let off following a second yellow card.
Late winner, Inter’s night at Byern’s home
Stealing a victory against Bayern Munich in Allianz Arena, where they are unbeaten in the competition since 2021, is more than enough for Inter Milan. When the hosts thought they pulled out a relieving draw by a strike of their departing Thomas Muller, the late strike of Davide Frattesi put Nerazzurri in front.
Two misses by Harry Kane in the first half really cost the Bavarians. The first was in the 14th minute when the English striker’s header was saved by Yan Sommer as it was a weak one. The 26th minute miss was even worse when he curled the ball outside the far post while standing unmarked in the left. Lautaro Martinez’s strike in the 38th minute was an eye opener for both Kane and hosts.
The second half was also started well by Germans and Italians and went on with pressure of the former barring a good finish until 85th minute when Muller netted from three yards. As the German thought he got a romantic goal for his side from which he will depart after 23 years, a close range shot from Frattesi left the home team and the fans stunned. Leaving to Sansiro next week for the return leg, it will be a monumental task for Kompany’s men to edge past the Italian team.
Barca’s another thrash, this time Dortmund
Dortmund had nothing to do on the pitch, when Barcelona continued their thumping form in a dominating 4-0 win against them. When Robert Lewandowski scored a brace against his former team, his corpriots in the front, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha netted the rest.
In the match at their home ground, it was an overwhelming display by Catalans where they dominated in all sections of the game. After Raphinha scored in the 25th minute from close range, they were all over the visitors with many attempts at goal. A series of saves by their keeper Kobel rescued them from more.
After the break, Kobel had little to do in front of the persistent attack of the Spanish giants. Lewandoski scored his first in just three minutes after the break as he was unmarked when he got the ball from Raphinha from the left. Later he extended the lead by his second with a bullet stroke before Yamal completed the score card from a counter attack.
PSG’s fight back, Villa’s hopes hanging
Aston Villa gave Paris a scare, but PSG came from behind to secure a 3-1 win in the first leg of the quarterfinal at Parc des Princes. Morgan Rogers shocked the home fans with a cool finish in the first half, punishing a midfield error to give Villa the lead against the run of play.
But PSG responded quickly and powerfully. Desire Doue equalised with a lovely curling strike just four minutes later, and after the break, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired one in off the post to complete the turnaround. The Parisians kept pressing with high energy and fluid passing, while Villa struggled to get out of their own half.
In stoppage time, Nuno Mendes capped off the night with a tidy finish after cutting inside, giving PSG a deserved two-goal cushion. Villa’s keeper Emiliano Martínez kept the scoreline from getting worse with a string of big saves, but Unai Emery’s side will need something special in the return leg.
(This story is part of a Timeline internship project)
