Arsenal made a giant stride to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 3-0 sensational victory against Real Madrid at the Emirates stadium.
Declan Rice was the star of the show, marking twice of two incredible free kicks while the team of Mikel Arteta amazed the 15 European champions.
At the start of the game, Kylian Mbappe tested David Raya with a few first efforts, while Thibaut Courtois was called to action to refuse Thomas Partey and Rice to the other end.
The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute. After Bukayo Saka was killed 30 meters from the goal, Rice intensified and folded a glorious free kick around the wall and in the upper corner. It was his very first direct free kick goal in senior football and he sent the Emirates in delight.
Real Madrid looked shaken, and Arsenal wasted no time to double their advantage. In the 70th minute, Rice repeated the trick, this time by gathering a free kick on the left in the upper right corner, letting courteshole rushed once again.
The midfielder of England, who has now contributed to goals during three consecutive appearances in the Champions League, punished Madrid every turn.
Unforgettable night. Unforgettable performance. pic.twitter.com/y5eciynjbe
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 8, 2025
All hope of a return from Madrid died five minutes later. Rice jumped again, playing a key role in accumulation before Myles Lewis-Skelly put himself in Mikel Merino.
The midfielder became an attacker, calm and composed, swept the ball in the lower corner for the third of Arsenal.
Real Madrid had their chances but lacked at the forefront. Vinicius Junior. And Mbappe both had saved or blocked efforts, while Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo struggled to have an impact against a well -organized arsenal defense.
The frustration has boiled for Madrid late when Eduardo Camavanga received a second yellow card in time of time to launch the ball, aggravating the misery of Los Blancos in northern London.
Arsenal was forced to late changes, Saka and Rice both removed precautions after the blows, but the damage had already been caused. The Gunners have not only kept a white leaf, but have produced one of their most complete European performance in years.
