Arsenal fans had a night to remember at the Emirates Stadium after the great victory against the champion league holders, Real Madrid. They lose this match by 3-0 in the first leg of the quarterfinals. And the star of the show is Declan Rice. The midfielder scored two stunning free kicks.
Let’s break down what happened in this thrilling match.
Rice Lights Up the Emirates
Before this game, Declan Rice had never scored a free-kick in his career. But in just ten minutes, he struck not one, but two incredible goals from set pieces.
- First Free-Kick (58th Minute): Everyone thought Bukayo Saka would take it. But Rice stepped up and curled a perfect shot around the wall, sneaking it just inside Courtois’ post. The crowd went wild.
- Second Free-Kick (Around 68th Minute): This time from the other side. Rice hit it across the goal, into the top corner. Courtois couldn’t move. Arsenal fans couldn’t believe it.
These weren’t just good goals. They were special. The kind fans talk about for years.
Merino Adds the Third
Just five minutes after Rice’s second goal, Arsenal struck again. Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly set it up with a clever pass, and Mikel Merino, playing as a striker, finished it first-time into the bottom corner.
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Arsenal Could Have Scored More
Arsenal had many chances, especially in the first half. Here’s what happened before the goals:
- Thomas Partey’s header was blocked on the line by his own teammate, William Saliba.
- Courtois made a double save from Rice and Martinelli.
- Saka, starting for the first time since injury, looked dangerous throughout.
Real Madrid had their moments too. Kylian Mbappe missed a one-on-one and had another shot saved by David Raya. But overall, Madrid offered very little.
A Tough Night for Real Madrid
Madrid were poor in the second half. After the free-kicks, they lost their shape. They couldn’t attack or defend properly. Late in the game, Eduardo Camavinga was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. It summed up a miserable night for the 15-time Champions League winners.
This 3-0 loss is one of their heaviest ever in a Champions League knockout game.
Player Ratings (Selected)
Arsenal:
- Declan Rice – 9 (Player of the Match)
- David Raya – 8
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
- Merino – 8
- Saka – 7
- Martinelli – 7
Real Madrid:
- Courtois – 6
- Mbappe – 6
- Bellingham – 6
- Camavinga – 5
- Rudiger, Valverde – 5
What the Managers Said
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal Manager):
“I’m very proud. We had a very complete performance, and we did what we had to do to win that game. It’s about two things. The first is the atmosphere, which was like I’ve never seen even 15 minutes before kick-off. And then the second is magic moments. And Declan’s free-kicks sum it up. I was very convinced. I could sense in the build-up we could create a lot of problems. But you have to make it happen. If you have that mindset and belief it can happen, you can deliver it. We did that but it’s only half-time.”Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid Manager):
“I couldn’t call this game,” Merson said on Soccer Special. It’s probably the greatest night at the Emirates, it has to be. These are the champions of Europe and Arsenal destroyed them. Three phenomenal goals. I didn’t think people could bend balls like that! Two phenomenal free-kicks and Merino; if Erling Haaland, Harry Kane or Kylian Mbappe scored that, we’d be talking about it for years. I would say the greatest night at the Emirates. They have to get through the first 20 minutes at the Bernabeu now, if they score early, you never know. It’s Real Madrid. The first 20 minutes will be important, that place will be rocking.”
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