In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Arsenal triumphed over Real Madrid with a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The Gunners, buoyed by the return of key players, showcased their determination to salvage their season, as they aim for silverware amid an injury crisis that has plagued the squad.
Arsenal's journey to this crucial match was fraught with challenges. Following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Everton in the Premier League, hopes for a title seemed to drift further away. However, the Champions League remained a beacon of hope for Mikel Arteta's men, who had previously dispatched PSV with an aggregate score of 9-3 in the last round. The stakes were high as they faced a formidable opponent in Real Madrid, who brought their own array of talent, including Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
Despite the pressure, Arsenal's squad was not at full strength. Key absences loomed large, including Gabriel Magalhães, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season following hamstring surgery. Additionally, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu also faced extended periods on the sidelines due to injuries. However, there was a silver lining: Mikel Merino, who had suffered a cut during the warm-up against Everton, was cleared for selection and played a pivotal role in the match.
The first half saw Real Madrid start slowly, with Arsenal dominating possession and creating several chances. However, it was Thibault Courtois who kept the visitors in the game, making a superb double-save just before halftime to deny the Gunners.
It was Declan Rice who broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, scoring his first senior goal from a direct free kick. "It’s been in the locker," Rice said after the match, reflecting on the moment. "But I’ve hit the wall too many times or it’s gone over the bar. Originally we were going to cross it and then I’ve just seen the wall and the goalkeeper’s position. So I thought just go for it. And Bukayo [Saka] said to just feel it."
Rice's confidence surged after that initial strike, and just 12 minutes later, he delivered another stunning free kick, doubling Arsenal's lead. The home crowd erupted in cheers, knowing that their team was on the brink of a significant victory.
Mikel Merino capped off the scoring in the 75th minute, coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner after a well-placed assist, sealing a remarkable night for the Gunners. The final score of 3-0 left Arsenal in a strong position as they prepared for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025.
However, the match was not without its controversies. Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card late in the game, reducing the visitors to ten men as they struggled to cope with Arsenal's relentless attack. The Gunners were not just playing against a storied opponent; they were also battling the narrative of their own injury crisis.
As the dust settled on this monumental clash, the focus shifted to the next match and the challenges that lay ahead. Arsenal's injury woes continued to loom large, with the likes of Riccardo Calafiori sidelined due to a knee injury sustained during international duty, and the club's defensive strategy now relying heavily on Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber to fill the gaps left by the injured players.
Arteta's tactics have evolved in response to these challenges, with the return of Bukayo Saka providing a much-needed boost. Saka, who scored shortly after coming on as a substitute in the previous match against Everton, was expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming fixtures. His ability to create chances and score goals could be the key to Arsenal's success as they navigate this challenging period.
The Champions League quarter-finals are a high-stakes arena, and Arsenal's performance against Real Madrid showcased their potential to rise to the occasion. With their home advantage secured, the Gunners will head to Madrid with confidence, knowing they have the ability to compete at the highest level.
Arteta's comments post-match reflected a mixture of relief and determination. He acknowledged the significance of the victory but emphasized that the job was only half done. "No one saw that coming at half-time. One of the great Arsenal nights, but only half the job done," he stated, reminding his players and fans alike that the next leg would require equal focus and effort.
As the team prepares for the return match, the excitement among fans is palpable. Arsenal's supporters are eager to see if their team can maintain this momentum and advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League. With the likes of Rice and Merino stepping up, the Gunners have shown that they possess the depth and resilience needed to face adversity head-on.
Looking ahead, Arsenal's path is fraught with challenges, but the victory over Real Madrid has reignited hopes for a successful end to the season. The Emirates Stadium will surely be buzzing with anticipation as the team gears up for the next chapter in this thrilling Champions League campaign.
