In a stunning display at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly made history by becoming the second-youngest Englishman to start a Champions League quarter-final, aged just 18 years and 194 days. This remarkable achievement came during the first leg of the quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 8, 2025, where the Gunners triumphed with a resounding 3-0 victory.
Lewis-Skelly's inclusion in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup marked a significant milestone for the young left-back, who has quickly risen through the ranks since making his senior debut in September 2024. With 29 appearances under his belt across all competitions, he has solidified his place in the team, particularly in the Champions League, where he has already played seven matches.
Joining Jude Bellingham as the only Englishmen to start a Champions League quarter-final tie at such a young age, Lewis-Skelly's performance against the reigning champions was nothing short of spectacular. Bellingham, who previously achieved this feat at 17 years and 281 days while with Borussia Dortmund, provided the assist for Lewis-Skelly's first international goal, making the young Arsenal star England's youngest debutant scorer in 153 years.
As the match unfolded, Lewis-Skelly showcased his talent and composure, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal's victory. Declan Rice scored two stunning free-kicks, and Mikel Merino added a third goal, sealing a memorable night for the North London club. The win not only puts Arsenal in a commanding position heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu but also highlights the potential of their young star.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher praised Lewis-Skelly's performance, likening him to two of the most talented players in English football history: Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham. Carragher noted, "Lewis-Skelly oozes confidence and embraces responsibility. He looks spectacular at left-back and seems to take on a central midfield role seamlessly. He’s got that football arrogance that is rare in young players. He plays like he’s been doing it for years."
The statistics from the match further underline Lewis-Skelly's impact. He created two chances, won four out of seven duels, and boasted an impressive passing accuracy of 95%, completing 54 out of 57 passes. In contrast, Bellingham, who played for Real Madrid, created two chances as well but had a lower passing accuracy of 90%, completing 27 out of 30 passes. Notably, Lewis-Skelly was not dribbled past at all during the match, while Bellingham was dribbled past twice.
Arsenal fans were quick to express their admiration for Lewis-Skelly on social media, with many describing him as 'fearless' and the 'best player on the pitch.' One fan wrote, "Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18 years old, was our fourth-choice left-back at the start of the season. Today, against Real Madrid, he has been our best player on the pitch in the first 30 minutes. Unbelievable mentality. Fearless!" Another supporter chimed in, "Lewis-Skelly is terrorizing the Madrid defense. What a brilliant player!"
As the game progressed, it became evident that Lewis-Skelly was not just a defensive player; he frequently ventured into midfield, showcasing his versatility and skill. His ability to pick locks through the midfield was noted by fans, who compared his performance to that of Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere in the past.
Arsenal's defense, led by Lewis-Skelly, effectively neutralized Real Madrid's attacking threats, particularly the dynamic duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. The Gunners' full-backs, including Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber, executed a defensive masterclass that kept the talented wingers at bay. Vinicius Junior had no shots on target, no successful dribbles, and lost all but one of his ground duels, while Rodrygo similarly struggled to make an impact.
With this victory, Arsenal is inching closer to their first Champions League semi-final since 2009. The last time they reached this stage, they ultimately fell to Barcelona in the final, a painful memory that fans hope to erase this season. The current squad, bolstered by the emergence of young talents like Lewis-Skelly, is determined to make a deep run in the tournament.
As they prepare for the return leg in Madrid, Arsenal will carry a significant advantage. However, they are acutely aware that the job is not finished yet. Mikel Arteta's men will need to maintain their focus and intensity to secure their place in the semi-finals.
In light of this historic performance, Lewis-Skelly’s name is already being discussed among Arsenal supporters as a potential future star of the club. If the Gunners continue to progress in the Champions League, the 18-year-old's contributions will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. With his fearless attitude and impressive skill set, Lewis-Skelly is poised to become a key figure in Arsenal's quest for European glory.
