Arsenal shocked the soccer world with a comfortable, 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Declan Rice stole the show with two stunning free-kick goals, while Mikel Merino sealed the Gunners’ comprehensive win with a powerful strike. This result puts the English side in a commanding position, but the tie is far from over.
Real Madrid are not eliminated from the Champions League yet, as they still have a second leg to host at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Merengue will welcome Arsenal to the Spanish capital on Wednesday, April 16, for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. The visitors will hold a 3-0 aggregate lead, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side will have at least 90 minutes to try and turn things around.
What do Real Madrid need vs. Arsenal to advance in the Champions League? Real Madrid now need to beat Arsenal by at least three goals to keep their Champions League aspirations alive. The away goal rule no longer exists in the tournament, so a three-goal difference will be enough for Los Blancos, even if they concede. In the event the aggregate score is level at the end of regulation in the second leg, the tie will go to extra time. If the draw persists after the additional 30 minutes, the winner will be decided on penalties.
Arsenal has featured in the Champions League on 23 occasions, starting with their debut in the 1971-72 season. They returned to UEFA Champions League action when they hosted Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal. Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten in the quarter-finals by Bayern Munich last season, but the Gunners are looking to go further with greater experience this season.
Despite their rich history, Arsenal has never won the Champions League. Their best run came during the 2005-06 campaign, when they reached the final but were narrowly beaten by Barcelona on a dramatic night in Paris. Arsenal took a surprise lead in the 37th minute, but late goals from Samuel Eto'o and Juliano Belletti turned the tide, handing the Spanish giants the title and leaving Arsenal to rue what might have been.
In the 2006 final, Jens Lehmann made history by becoming the first player to be sent off in a Champions League final, following a foul on Eto'o just outside the box. Since that painful defeat, Arsenal's best performance came in the 2008-09 season, where they reached the semi-finals but were knocked out by Manchester United with a 4-1 aggregate score.
Between the 2010/11 and 2016/17 seasons, Arsenal consistently reached the Champions League knockout stages, but they were eliminated in the round of 16 every single time for seven consecutive seasons. This history adds pressure to the current squad, who are eager to change the narrative and push deeper into the tournament.
As the quarterfinals progress, the winner of the Arsenal vs. Real Madrid tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 in the first leg, setting up a potential meeting against Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund.
Will Real Madrid turn the series around? The stakes could not be higher as both teams prepare for the decisive second leg. Arsenal, buoyed by their first-leg success, will look to maintain their momentum, while Real Madrid will be desperate to overturn the deficit in front of their home fans. The excitement is palpable as fans anticipate the next chapter in this thrilling matchup.
As the soccer world watches closely, the upcoming clash at the Santiago Bernabeu is set to be a defining moment for both clubs. With Arsenal aiming for a historic run and Real Madrid determined to reclaim their status, the stage is set for a captivating encounter. All eyes will be on the pitch as these two European giants battle for a place in the semifinals.
