In a surprising turn of events at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a dominant performance against defending champions Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, securing a resounding 3-0 victory.
The match was especially memorable for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who stole the spotlight with two sensational free-kick goals that showcased his remarkable technique.
This long-awaited clash marked the first time in nearly 20 years that Arsenal and Real Madrid faced each other in Europe.
Managers Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti both approached the game with bold tactical decisions, aiming to seize control early in the tie.
Arsenal handed Jakub Kiwior a rare Champions League start in place of the injured Gabriel, while Bukayo Saka returned to the starting XI.
On the other side, Ancelotti adjusted his defensive structure by placing Fede Valverde at right-back and veteran David Alaba on the left.
From the outset, both teams exhibited attacking intent, eschewing the usual caution associated with the first leg of a knockout tie.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé fired the first warning shot within the opening minute, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was up to the task.
The match quickly settled into a high-paced contest, with each side leaning heavily on their wingers—Saka for Arsenal and Vinicius Jr. for Madrid.
Saka posed a continuous threat down the right flank, though Arsenal struggled to convert his crosses without a traditional striker in the box.
Just before halftime, Arsenal came closest to scoring when Saka’s pinpoint delivery found Rice, whose header was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Martinelli followed up on the rebound, only to be denied by a last-ditch defensive block.
Real Madrid’s attacking play flowed primarily through Vinicius Jr., who frequently unsettled Arsenal’s defense with his speed and dribbling.
However, his final passes to Mbappé often missed the mark, and Madrid’s most promising moments came from individual flashes rather than cohesive play.
The second half began with Real Madrid applying pressure, but Arsenal soon flipped the script.
In the 58th minute, Rice opened the scoring with a superb free-kick from over 20 yards, curling the ball past Courtois with power and precision.
The goal energized the home side, and within minutes, they nearly added a second during a relentless attacking spell.
Rice doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 70th minute, curling another masterful free-kick into the far corner.
Just five minutes later, 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri—on as a substitute—threaded a perfect ball to Mikel Merino, who finished clinically to make it 3-0.
Despite a late push from Real Madrid, Arsenal’s defense remained composed, preserving a clean sheet and taking a significant advantage into the second leg in Spain.
Starting lineups confirmed the tactical intrigue: Arsenal’s XI included Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, and Merino.
Real Madrid lined up with Courtois, Valverde, Asensio, Rüdiger, Alaba, Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham, Vinicius, Mbappé,and Rodrygo.
