LONDON — Arsenal seized control of their Champions League quarterfinal tie against Real Madrid with a commanding 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice was the star of the evening, executing two sublime free kicks that any of Real Madrid’s legendary players would envy.
Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a curled shot around the Madrid defensive wall, and he followed it up in the 70th by placing another free kick into the top corner, elevating Arsenal’s advantage. Mikel Merino scored a third in the 75th minute, putting the Gunners in a strong position to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2009.
His performance drew attention from Roberto Carlos, who was watching from the stands. Rice’s execution was a replica of memorable free kicks from the Brazilian defender or even those of David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane. Unlike these celebrated players, Rice was not known for his prowess in taking direct free kicks until this match.
“This was in my locker, but I never quite executed it,” Rice shared with television viewers post-match. “We were supposed to cross, but seeing the defensive line and the goalkeeper’s position, I decided to take the opportunity.”
On the same night, Inter Milan managed a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich. Real Madrid’s situation worsened when midfielder Eduardo Camavinga received a red card late in the match, ruling him out for the return leg at Santiago Bernabeu scheduled for April 16.
Both Rice and Bukayo Saka left the pitch with injuries, but Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, suggested that neither seemed severe. Thibaut Courtois’ efforts in goal prevented an even larger margin, showcasing multiple impressive saves.
“We excelled in the second half, applying constant pressure,” said goalscorer Merino, reflecting on the team’s dynamic play. “Our intensity ignited the crowd’s energy.”
Despite the challenge of overturning such a deficit, Real Madrid’s hopes remain as coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized belief, although he admitted that the night’s performance presented little possibility of an easy comeback.
Kylian Mbappé had Madrid’s clearest opportunity in the 31st minute, breaking through due to Jude Bellingham’s assist, only to be stopped by Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya.
This match marked the first encounter between these teams since 2006, when Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid in the round of 16 – a year Arsenal reached the final only to fall short against Barcelona. Based on current form, Arsenal appears ready to challenge Europe’s elite once more.
The Emirates Stadium, active since the 2006-07 season, witnessed one of its finest performances against a Real Madrid squad that has clinched the Champions League title six times since 2014. The visitors were largely ineffective during the match.
Real Madrid, who have a storied history as 15-time European champions, struggled to mount a serious attack and were content to sit deep for most of the first half, unable to stifle Arsenal’s second-half dominance.
“In the second half, we lost our way,” Courtois reflected. “While we avoided panic, we weren’t comfortable on the ball. They took two exceptional goals from set-pieces and added another. We need to retain belief.”
Courtois may have made impressive saves, but even his skills were no match against Rice’s masterfully taken free kicks.
“I might have reconsidered the wall’s formation,” Courtois added, “but I didn’t expect such precision from Rice, particularly on the second strike, which was extraordinary.”
Rice concluded, “The significance of this result will probably sink in later. For now, our focus shifts to the return match, but in years to come, I’ll realize how special tonight was.”