Arsenal produced one of their finest European performances, beating Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Declan Rice scored two world-class free-kicks, and Mikel Merino added a composed third. The Gunners now hold a commanding lead heading into the return leg in Spain.
The first half was lively but ended goalless. Kylian Mbappe forced a save from David Raya inside the opening minute. Arsenal quickly responded. Thomas Partey tested Thibaut Courtois from the edge of the area after receiving a clever layoff from Merino. Jude Bellingham created Madrid’s best first-half chance with a perfect through-ball to Mbappe, but Raya made another vital stop.
Bukayo Saka, starting for the first time since December, created danger down the right. He delivered two low crosses across the six-yard box. However, no one managed to make contact. On the opposite wing, Martinelli also looked sharp. Jurrien Timber crossed for Merino, whose header Courtois blocked. The keeper then recovered to stop Martinelli’s rebound as Arsenal finished the half strong.
After the break, Arsenal struck. Saka earned a free-kick just outside the area. Rice stepped up and curled a beautiful shot around the wall and inside the post. The Emirates erupted. Ten minutes later, he delivered again. From further out, Rice fired a right-footed strike into the top corner. Courtois had no chance.
Arsenal didn’t ease off. Martinelli tested Courtois, who parried the shot. Merino fired the rebound, but David Alaba cleared it off the line. Courtois then denied Merino once more with a quick reaction save. Lewis-Skelly soon drove forward and passed to Merino, who calmly struck a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Real Madrid looked stunned. Their attack offered little in response. Eduardo Camavinga’s frustration showed late in the game. After picking up an earlier booking, he received a second yellow for kicking the ball away, resulting in a red card.
Arsenal dominated across the board. They fired 11 shots on target—matching the most by any team against Madrid in a Champions League knockout match since 2003. Rice became the first player ever to score two direct free-kicks in a single Champions League knockout game. Myles Lewis-Skelly also made history as the second-youngest English player to start a quarter-final.
The Gunners now head to Spain full of belief. Their first Champions League semi-final in 16 years is within reach. While the job isn’t finished, Arsenal have taken a huge step forward on a magical night at the Emirates.
