Declan Rice delivered a Champions League masterclass as Arsenal produced a stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, taking a commanding lead in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
The second half was nothing short of magical for the Gunners, with Rice bending in two world-class free-kicks, both of which will go down in Emirates folklore. His first came in the 58th minute – a wickedly curling strike that beat Thibaut Courtois at the near post. Just 12 minutes later, Rice repeated the feat with an even more breathtaking finish into the top corner from a wider angle, showcasing incredible technique and composure.
As Real Madrid reeled from the double blow, Mikel Merino capped off the night with a clinical left-footed strike following a brilliant run and assist from Myles Lewis-Skelly, making it 3-0 and sending the home crowd into euphoria.
The night, charged with anticipation and passion, almost got off to a disastrous start when Kylian Mbappé nearly put Madrid ahead within 40 seconds. However, David Raya was alert to deny him, and Arsenal gradually took control. After a goalless but entertaining first half, the Gunners roared into life in the second – and never looked back.
Rice’s brace made Champions League history, as he became the first player ever to score two direct free-kicks in a knockout stage match. He also joined elite company, becoming just the fourth Arsenal player to score from a direct free kick in the competition after Alberto Mendez, Thierry Henry, and Bukayo Saka.
“I’m over the moon. This will hit me properly in a few years – what I did tonight was special,” Rice said post-match.
Statistically:
- Arsenal registered 11 shots on target, the joint-most ever recorded against Real Madrid in a Champions League knockout match.
- Real Madrid have now lost five games in this UCL campaign, matching their worst-ever European Cup season (2000/01).
- This was Madrid’s joint-heaviest first-leg defeat in a Champions League knockout tie (matching a 4-1 loss to Dortmund in 2012/13).
- Myles Lewis-Skelly became the second-youngest Englishman to start in a Champions League quarter-final (18 years, 194 days).
Despite the emphatic scoreline, manager Mikel Arteta and the players remain grounded. With the second leg set for April 16 at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, the Gunners know the job is only half done.
“We knew we had to score, and to score three was massive. We’re fighting for each other, and this result shows that,” Rice added.
Madrid, 15-time European champions and veterans of dramatic comebacks, will have their work cut out next week – especially without Eduardo Camavinga, who was sent off late and will miss the return fixture.
As North London basks in one of its greatest European nights, Arsenal fans will be dreaming – not just of a semifinal return for the first time since 2009, but maybe something even greater.
Source: arsenal.com
