Sports

UCL: Vini Jnr, Mbappe Fire Blanks as Arsenal Trash Real Madrid 3-0

Published

2 weeks ago

Apr 9, 2025.

Declan Rice’s Brilliance: The England international scored two sensational free-kicks in the second half, inspiring Arsenal to a commanding 3-0 victory and earning praise for possibly the best performance of his career.
Arsenal’s Dominance and Defensive Solidity: Mikel Arteta’s men controlled the game, especially in the second half, while the makeshift defence kept Real Madrid’s attack quiet, maintaining a clean sheet.
Real Madrid’s Struggles and uphill task ahead: Frustrated and outplayed, Madrid finished with 10 men after Camavinga’s red card and now face a daunting challenge in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In a night of high drama and extraordinary football, Arsenal delivered one of their most memorable performances in recent history by dismantling reigning champions Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The Emirates Stadium erupted in joy as the Gunners took a giant step toward their first-ever Champions League title, stunning the Spanish giants with a dominant second-half display.

After a tightly contested and goalless first half, Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a superb free-kick that curled around the Madrid wall and left goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rooted to the spot. It was a moment of brilliance that sent the home crowd into raptures, and Rice was not done yet.

Just 12 minutes later, he stepped up again and delivered an even more spectacular free-kick, bending the ball into the top corner with precision and power.

Before Madrid could recover, Arsenal struck again. In the 75th minute, makeshift striker Mikel Merino capitalized on a flowing team move and slotted the ball past Courtois from close range, making it 3-0 and compounding Real Madrid’s misery. The goal was a testament to Arsenal’s fluid attacking play and confidence, showing their hunger and ambition to go all the way in this season’s competition.

Adding to Real Madrid’s woes, midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time, meaning he will miss the second leg. His dismissal also reflected the frustration and lack of composure that characterized Madrid’s performance on the night.

The result leaves Real Madrid facing an uphill task in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu next Wednesday. While the Spanish giants have a storied history of dramatic comebacks in the Champions League, including their famous turnaround against Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City in past seasons, this latest setback feels like a mountain too steep to climb, especially given how poorly they performed in the second half.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are now unbeaten in all their Champions League meetings with Real Madrid. Their record against the Spanish side stands at two wins and one draw, with Madrid yet to score a single goal against them in the competition.

Declan Rice, whose two goals stole the headlines, described the moment as possibly the best of his career. Speaking to Thierry Henry after the match, he said, “I can’t describe it. I don’t think it’s going to hit me what I’ve done tonight. Probably the best moment in my career for sure.” Rice revealed that Arsenal’s set-piece coach had wanted the ball to be crossed into the box for his first free kick, but he felt confident and chose to shoot instead. “If you don’t take the risk, you don’t score,” he said.

His teammate Bukayo Saka, who had recently returned from injury, was also instrumental in Arsenal’s attacking play. Manager Mikel Arteta hailed Saka’s performance, calling him “incredible” and highlighting the fear factor he brings whenever he’s on the ball. Despite limping off late in the game, Arteta reassured fans that it was only a knock and Saka was fine.

The defensive performance was equally impressive. With regular center-back Gabriel sidelined for the rest of the season, there were concerns about Arsenal’s backline. However, Jakub Kiwior partnered William Saliba superbly, supported by full-backs Jurrien Timber and the impressive young Myles Lewis-Skelly. The entire defensive unit held firm against Madrid’s star-studded attack, limiting them to very few chances and ensuring a clean sheet.

Manager Mikel Arteta, visibly proud of his team, praised the entire squad’s effort. “I’m so happy and proud of the team. We had the opportunity to make a lot of people proud and we’ve certainly done that,” he said. He added that the Emirates Stadium had never been so electric, with fans creating a magical European atmosphere that inspired his players to greatness.

Arteta also emphasized that despite the 3-0 advantage, the job is not done yet. “We need to go there and we’re going to have to step up again and prepare to win,” he stated, keeping his players grounded ahead of the second leg at the Bernabéu.

Champions League Quarter-finals

On the other side, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side were outplayed. “We were punished,” he said, acknowledging that Arsenal played better with the ball and that his team lost control in the second half. However, he maintained a glimmer of hope for a comeback, saying, “In football, anything can happen. We have to believe, because crazy things have happened at the Bernabéu before.”

Jude Bellingham, who had a quiet game, also expressed his disappointment. He admitted Arsenal were superior and that Real were fortunate not to concede more. “We’re lucky to get away with 3-0. But there is a second leg. We’re going to need something unbelievably special, something crazy really,” he said.

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Elsewhere in the Champions League, Inter Milan secured a vital away win over Bayern Munich with a 2-1 victory, giving them a strong position heading into their second leg. Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram combined beautifully for the opener, while Thomas Muller gave Bayern hope with a late equalizer before Inter responded with a last-minute winner.

As Arsenal look ahead to next week’s crucial second leg, fans will be dreaming of the possibility of reaching the semi-finals—and potentially their first Champions League final since 2006. With Declan Rice in inspired form and the entire team rising to the occasion, this could finally be the year the gunners claim European glory.

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