Arsenal took a large stride in the direction of the Champions League semi-finals with a sensational 3-0 victory over Actual Madrid on the Emirates Stadium.
Declan Rice was the star of the present, scoring twice from two unimaginable free-kicks as Mikel Arteta’s aspect shocked the 15-time European champions.
Early on within the sport, Kylian Mbappe examined David Raya with a few early efforts, whereas Thibaut Courtois was referred to as into motion to disclaim Thomas Partey and Rice on the different finish.
The breakthrough got here within the 58th minute. After Bukayo Saka was introduced down 30 yards from objective, Rice stepped up and bent an excellent free-kick across the wall and into the highest nook. It was his first ever direct free-kick objective in senior soccer and it despatched the Emirates into raptures.
Actual Madrid seemed rattled, and Arsenal wasted no time in doubling their benefit. Within the seventieth minute, Rice repeated the trick, this time curling a left-sided free-kick into the top-right nook, leaving Courtois scrambling as soon as extra.
The England midfielder, who has now contributed to objectives in three consecutive Champions League appearances, was punishing Madrid at each flip.
Unforgettable night time. Unforgettable efficiency. pic.twitter.com/Y5ECiynjBe
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 8, 2025
Any hopes of a Madrid comeback had been extinguished 5 minutes later. Rice surged ahead once more, enjoying a key function within the build-up earlier than Myles Lewis-Skelly squared to Mikel Merino.
The midfielder turned striker, calm and composed, swept the ball into the underside nook for Arsenal’s third.
Actual Madrid had their possibilities however lacked the leading edge. Vinicius Junior. and Mbappe each had efforts saved or blocked, whereas Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo struggled to make an impression in opposition to a well-organised Arsenal defence.
Frustration boiled over for Madrid late on when Eduardo Camavinga acquired a second yellow card in stoppage time for kicking the ball away, compounding Los Blancos’ distress in North London.
Arsenal had been pressured into late modifications, with Saka and Rice each taken off as precautions after knocks, however the harm had already been finished. The Gunners not solely stored a clear sheet however produced one in every of their most full European performances in years.
