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Declan Rice delivered a stunning performance, scoring the first free kicks of his career, as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Manager Mikel Arteta had called on Arsenal fans to turn up early and create a charged atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium—and the team responded with an electric start, putting Madrid under immediate pressure with a series of dangerous deliveries into their box.
Real Madrid's first real opportunity came in the 20th minute when Vinicius Jr curled a shot just wide. But the second half belonged entirely to Rice and Arsenal.
Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a beautifully curled free-kick into the bottom corner past Thibaut Courtois. He followed it up just 12 minutes later with an even more spectacular effort, bending another free-kick into the top right-hand corner to double Arsenal's lead.
The home side wasn't done yet. Just five minutes later, Mikel Merino added a third with a calm finish into the bottom corner from inside the box.
Madrid's night went from bad to worse when Eduardo Camavinga received his second yellow card and was sent off in stoppage time.
This emphatic win puts Arsenal in a strong position to reach their first Champions League semi-final since the 2008-09 season. Despite being less experienced in European competition compared to the 15-time champions, Arsenal outclassed Real Madrid with precision, energy, and a clinical edge that Carlo Ancelotti's side simply couldn't match.
Arteta has dealt with several injury setbacks this season, and there were questions about the defence going into the game—especially who would partner William Saliba. Jakub Kiwior got the nod, and Arsenal's performance made any concerns seem insignificant.
Bukayo Saka was a constant threat down the flank, troubling David Alaba repeatedly, and one of his crosses nearly resulted in a goal during the first half. Rice's two goals brought the stadium to life, and Merino's strike sealed a memorable evening. Merino, stepping up in the absence of Kai Havertz, has now netted five goals in his last nine games.
Arsenal could have added even more to the scoreline, with Jude Bellingham and Alaba forced to clear attempts off the Madrid goal line.
For Real Madrid, it was a night to forget. Having won only two of their last five matches heading into this tie, they looked far from their best. Despite Courtois acknowledging Arsenal's set-piece threat before the match, Madrid struggled to cope and failed to show the typical flair expected from an Ancelotti side. Kylian Mbappe's best attempt was stopped by David Raya.
Madrid now face an uphill battle in the second leg at the Bernabeu, needing to overturn a three-goal deficit. They must score at least four and keep a clean sheet—something they've managed just twice in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
While Real Madrid have a history of dramatic comebacks in Europe, Arsenal will be well aware that they need another composed and solid performance to book their place in the semi-finals.
