Arsenal dismantle Real Madrid 3-0 in biggest Champions League upset
Arsenal delivered a sensational 3-0 victory over Champions League holders Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash. Declan Rice delivered a midfield masterclass to leave the Gunners on the brink of a historic semi-final berth.
Rice scores twice with stunning free-kicks
After an evenly contested first half at the Emirates, Rice broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a stunning free-kick curled around Madrid’s wall. The England international, remarkably scoring his first-ever free-kick goal, repeated the feat just 12 minutes later with an even more spectacular effort that left Thibaut Courtois rooted.
Merino adds a third to seal a statement win.
Arsenal’s dominance continued as makeshift striker Mikel Merino added a third five minutes later, capitalising on a defensive lapse to calmly slot home from close range and pile more misery on the defending champions.
Arsenal take advantage of injury-hit Real Madrid.
The brilliance of Rice’s brace cannot be overstated, with both goals showcasing precision, power, and poise rarely seen from set pieces—especially from a player with no previous free-kick goals to his name.
It was a mature and ruthless display from Mikel Arteta’s men, who took full advantage of an injury-hit Real Madrid side and now travel to the Bernabeu for the second leg on April 16 as firm favourites to progress.
Champions League semi-final within reach
Not since 2009 have Arsenal reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, but this commanding win has them within touching distance of ending that drought—and possibly setting up a clash with either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa.
Arteta, who described the encounter as the “biggest night” of his managerial career, saw his side rise to the occasion in spectacular fashion—perhaps even exceeding his expectations.
Though trailing Liverpool by 11 points in the Premier League, Arsenal’s European campaign now holds the promise of a first major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 2020.
Camavinga sees Red
For Real Madrid, the night was a chastening one. Beaten 10 times already this season and trailing Barcelona in La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were punished for their defensive fragility. The misery was compounded in stoppage time when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off for a second yellow card, though he was already set to miss the return leg through suspension.
The two sides will reconvene at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday to determine who advances to the final four—Arsenal now holding a commanding lead and the momentum of one of their most memorable European nights.
