Arsenal delivered a masterclass in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, securing a commanding 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Midfielder Declan Rice stole the spotlight with two stunning free kicks, marking a historic performance for the English club.
The hosts dominated early, capitalizing on Real Madrid's uncharacteristically sluggish start. A defensive error nearly handed Arsenal an early lead when Eduardo Camavinga deflected Antonio Rüdiger's clearance toward his own net, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept the score level with a critical save against Thomas Partey.
Despite Real Madrid's pedigree as 15-time European champions, Arsenal's relentless pressure paid off in the 58th minute. Rice curled a fierce free kick past Courtois’ outstretched arm, later admitting he shifted tactics mid-run: "I was going to cross it, but saw the wall and just thought … go for it."
Courtois produced heroics to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, but Rice struck again in the 70th minute with an even more audacious set-piece into the top corner. Merino then sealed the win with a composed finish after substitute Leandro Trossard's setup.
The result leaves Real Madrid with a steep challenge in the second leg, while Arsenal eyes a potential semifinal clash against Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain. For now, Rice’s brilliance has etched a memorable chapter in Arsenal’s European campaign.
