In a stunning display of football prowess, Arsenal delivered one of their most memorable performances by defeating Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2025. The Gunners showcased their attacking flair and defensive resilience, leaving the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg at the Bernabeu.
Declan Rice was the star of the show, scoring two magnificent free-kicks that sent the home fans into raptures. The first, a curling effort that bent around the wall, gave Arsenal a crucial lead, while the second was even more spectacular, finding the top corner with precision. Mikel Merino added a third goal, sealing a commanding victory that puts Arsenal in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals.
Prior to the match, Real Madrid had been struggling, coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Valencia in La Liga. That defeat left them four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and raised concerns about their defensive frailties, particularly from set pieces, having conceded ten goals in that manner this season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti welcomed back goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender David Alaba from injury, hoping their presence would bolster the team’s chances against a formidable Arsenal side.
Courtois, in his pre-match press conference, acknowledged the quality of Arsenal, stating, “We have a lot of respect for Arsenal – I have a lot of friends who are fans of Arsenal. I know they’ve been doing great in the Premier League – they have experienced players, their defence is very strong.” He emphasized the importance of not conceding corners, a tactic that ultimately failed to pay off for Madrid.
As the match kicked off, Arsenal looked to maintain their unbeaten streak in the Champions League, having secured four wins and one draw in their previous matches. The Gunners were without key players like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, but the return of Bukayo Saka was a significant boost. Saka’s pace and skill were evident throughout the match, although he was substituted late on after a knock.
Arsenal’s first goal came in the 66th minute when Rice stepped up to take a free-kick from just outside the box. His shot curled beautifully around the wall and into the net, sending the Emirates into a frenzy. The Gunners continued to press, and just minutes later, Rice struck again, this time from a similar position, but with even greater finesse, as he picked out the top corner to double the lead.
Merino capped off the night with a stunning goal of his own, finishing off a swift counter-attack with a left-footed strike from the edge of the box after a clever pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly. This goal not only solidified Arsenal’s dominance but also left Madrid reeling.
Despite their struggles, Real Madrid had moments of promise, with Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. threatening throughout the match. However, they were unable to convert their chances, with Courtois making crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable. The Belgian keeper was heavily relied upon, making a double save from a powerful header by Rice and a follow-up shot from Gabriel Martinelli.
The match took a turn for the worse for Madrid when Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card late in the game, reducing them to ten men. This further compounded their woes as they faced a daunting task in the second leg.
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at the team’s performance, calling it “beautiful.” He praised his players for their conviction and quality, saying, “We have the opportunity to make a lot of people happy and proud, and we certainly did that.” He also highlighted the impact of Saka, who, despite his injury scare, elevated the team’s play during his time on the pitch.
In a post-match interview, Rice reflected on his goals, sharing that he initially ignored advice to cross the ball on his first free-kick attempt. “They were saying to cross it, but then I saw the wall and the keeper and I thought, 'I am going to take this.' Then it went in, and I was just so happy,” he said, emphasizing the importance of confidence in executing set-piece situations.
As Arsenal prepares for the second leg in Madrid, they will carry a three-goal advantage that puts them firmly in control of the tie. However, Arteta and his players are well aware that Real Madrid is a team that cannot be underestimated, especially in the Champions League where they have a storied history of comebacks.
The stage is set for a thrilling return leg, with Arsenal aiming to continue their quest for European glory while Real Madrid seeks to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes alive. The football world will be watching closely as these two giants clash once more in what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
