match recap
arsenal 3-0 real madrid
By Juan Hernandez Apr 9, 2025
Declan Rice Celebrating goal Photography : @Arsenal
Arsenal Dominate Real Madrid in Champions League Quarterfinal First Leg
Date: April 8, 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Score: Arsenal 3 - 0 Real Madrid
Aggregate: Arsenal leads 3-0
First Half – Tactical Battle, No Breakthrough
The match opened with high energy but few clear-cut chances.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé forced a sharp save from David Raya.
Arsenal had two promising efforts from Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli, both denied by Thibaut Courtois.
Despite the attacking firepower on both sides, the first half ended 0-0, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
Real Madrid Starting XI Photography: @Realmadrid
Second Half – Declan Rice Stuns with Free-Kick Double
The game turned dramatically in the second half thanks to Declan Rice:
58’ Goal (1-0): Rice curled a beautiful free kick into the top corner, overruled both Ødegaard and the set-piece coach to take it.
70’ Goal (2-0): Rice repeated the magic with another superb free-kick from a similar spot, making Champions League history as the first player to score two direct free-kicks in a knockout match.
Arsenal Tighten Grip – Merino Adds a Third
75’ Goal (3-0): Mikel Merino finished off a crisp team move initiated by Rice, putting Arsenal in total control of the tie.
The Gunners’ midfield and defense dominated the rest of the match, shutting down Madrid’s key players.
Gabriel Martinelli Photography @Arsenal
Defensive Masterclass
William Saliba neutralized Mbappé with composure and strength.
Saka played a vital role on the right wing, drawing both fouls that led to Rice’s goals.
David Raya delivered a confident performance in goal, preserving the clean sheet.
Post-Match Reactions
Mikel Arteta praised Rice’s boldness:
“He showed courage and belief. Those were two world-class strikes.”
Declan Rice explained his decision:
“I had a feeling. I struck the first one clean and knew I had to take the second. It was instinct.”
What’s Next?
Second Leg: Arsenal heads to the Santiago Bernabéu with a 3-0 lead.
Despite the advantage, Arteta warned against complacency, noting “Real Madrid is never out of it.”
Quick Stats
Declan Rice: 2 goals (first-ever direct free-kicks in his career)
Arsenal: 3 shots on target, 3 goals
Real Madrid: 0 goals, uphill battle for second leg
Declan Rice Celebrating Second Goal Photography: @Arsenal