Declan Rice delivered a career-best performance as Arsenal took control of their Champions League quarter-final tie with a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. The English midfielder scored two outstanding free kicks – his first goals of this kind – to give the Gunners a significant advantage heading into the second leg.
The home crowd responded to Mikel Arteta’s rallying cry to create an electric atmosphere, and Arsenal started with purpose. Early pressure led to several dangerous deliveries into Madrid’s area, although they couldn’t initially convert. Real Madrid’s first notable opportunity came in the 20th minute when Vinicius Jr curled a shot wide, but it was one of few bright moments for the visitors.
Free-kick masterclass and a night to remember
The breakthrough came just before the hour mark. Rice bent a precise free kick past Thibaut Courtois, giving Arsenal a deserved lead. Just over ten minutes later, he repeated the feat with another sensational strike, this time finding the top corner and doubling the advantage.
Mikel Merino then added to the scoreline with a composed finish into the bottom corner from inside the box, capping off a memorable performance for the home side. Merino, who continues to impress in front of goal, has now found the net five times in his last nine matches for the club.
Madrid’s night went from bad to worse in added time when Eduardo Camavinga was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, further compounding their misery ahead of the return fixture in Spain.
Arsenal dream big while Madrid falter
Despite lacking the European pedigree of their opponents, Arsenal looked the more composed and dangerous side throughout the match. Even with injuries to key players and uncertainty in central defense, Arteta’s team played with confidence and flair. Jakub Kiwior partnered William Saliba at the back, while Bukayo Saka was a constant threat down the wing, frequently troubling David Alaba.
Arsenal’s performance was nearly rewarded with more goals, as Madrid had to scramble clearances off the line through Jude Bellingham and Alaba. The Gunners, who last reached the semi-finals in 2009, now find themselves on the verge of returning to the competition’s last four.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s recent struggles continued. With only two wins in their past five matches before this clash, their lack of rhythm was evident. Courtois acknowledged Arsenal’s threat from set pieces ahead of the game, but his side still looked vulnerable throughout. The Spanish giants have now managed only two clean sheets in their last 11 outings, and they will need to overturn a three-goal deficit at the Bernabeu to avoid elimination.
Though Madrid has a history of dramatic comebacks in this tournament, they will need something extraordinary to deny Arsenal their place in the semi-finals.
