- This victory places Arsenal in a promising position to advance to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2025, between Arsenal and Real Madrid was remarkable.
The first half saw both teams creating opportunities but failing to score. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé had clear chance, only to be denied by Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya. On the other end, Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves against attempts from Rice and Gabriel Martinelli, ensuring the teams went into halftime level at 0-0.
The match dramatically changed in the second half when Arsenal's Bukayo Saka earned a free kick just outside the penalty area. The free kick was taken by Declain Rice who boldly directed the ball past Courtois into the top corner.
At the 69th minute, just 12 minutes after the first score, Declain Rice took another successful free kick doubling the advantage. These goals made him the first player to score two direct free kicks in a Champions League knockout match.
Arsenal continued to dominate the match all through. Playing in an advanced role due to Kai Havertz's injury, Mikel Merino scored the third goal extending Arsenal's lead to 3-0.
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For Real Madrid it was a tough night. The team struggled to create significant chances, managing only two blocked attempts in the second half. Young Arsenal's defenders Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly performances were stunning, while William Saliba effectively neutralized the threat posed by Mbappé.
This victory places Arsenal in a promising position to advance to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
The second leg promises to be a compelling encounter as Arsenal aims to defend their lead in Madrid.
