Arsenal delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium. This result places the Gunners in a strong position as they head into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. Declan Rice was the standout performer, making Champions League history by scoring two direct free-kicks in a knockout stage match, a feat previously achieved only by Thierry Henry for Arsenal. Transfer Market
First Leg Highlights
-
Declan Rice: Scored two direct free-kicks, marking his first goals from set-pieces after 338 club appearances.Transfer Market
-
Mikel Merino: Added a third goal, solidifying Arsenal’s dominance in the match.Transfer Market
-
Arsenal’s Defense: Maintained a clean sheet, continuing their record of not conceding against Real Madrid in European competitions.
Player and Manager Reactions
Arsenal players and staff remain cautious despite the significant advantage. Former players like Cesc Fàbregas and Nacho Monreal have emphasized the importance of not underestimating Real Madrid’s capacity for comebacks, especially at the Bernabéu. Diario AS
On the Real Madrid side, midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed frustration over the team’s performance, highlighting a lack of intensity and effort, particularly pointing out that the team ran 14 kilometers less than Arsenal during the match. Cadena SER
The second leg is scheduled for April 16, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu. Arsenal will aim to maintain their lead and secure a spot in the semi-finals, while Real Madrid will look to leverage their home advantage and history of dramatic comebacks to overturn the deficit.
