Arsenal will feel that they will have to take advantage of the second stage of next week against Real Madrid, and they are on the right track to do so, because two moments of magic put them on the path of victory during the first leg of their equality in the quarter -final of the Champions League to the Emirates.
The first half saw the two teams approaching, with Mikel Merino and Kylian Mbappe both denied by important stops by David Raya and Thibaut Courtois respectively. But fortunately for Arsenal, the latter has now been beaten several times because they increased by 3-0 after 75 minutes.
And it is the first two goals that will steal the headlights, with Declan Rice marking identical free kicks that left courteous without any chance.
Declan Rice marks two incredible free kicks for Arsenal
Rice’s first effort was on the right side, and he wrapped it around the wall and in the upper corner of the nearby post. His second strike came from the left, but he still managed to find the same corner, with desperately diving and getting closer desperately.
Declan Rice with a magic moment?
An excellent free kick from the Arsenal midfielder to see the host of the host#Uclonprime pic.twitter.com/vopmz8acuz
– Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) April 8, 2025
Declan Rice did it again?
Another excellent free kick puts arsenal 2-0 in the Emirates#Uclonprime pic.twitter.com/xxezgrvfjq
– Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) April 8, 2025
Merino would then add a third for Arsenal five minutes after the second free kick in Rice while the Emirates were sent to Dreamland. Mikel Arteta’s team has produced a fierce performance against reigning champions, and they are already firm favorites to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they would face Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal would be interested in a summer move for Arda Guller, and the Real Madrid striker could only look from the bench while his current team conceded three times in 16 minutes. The artillerymen should not become complacent because the work is far from over, and they will always have to produce a great defensive performance at the Santiago Bernabeu next week if they want to reach the semi-finals.
