Arsenal Stun Real Madrid with 3-0 Thrashing in Champions League Quarterfinal
Real Madrid, despite their storied history in the competition, were left shell-shocked and unable to respond to Arsenal’s relentless pressure.
Arsenal players celebrating after secured victory of 3-0 against Real Madrid at Emirates during UEFA Champions League quaterfinal leg 1 on Tuesday, 8 April 2025. Photo/Fabrizio Romano.
By Roberrt Assad
Arsenal delivered a commanding performance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, dismantling Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie.
Goals from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino handed the Gunners a significant advantage heading into the second leg, leaving the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Declan Rice, Arsenal’s midfield dynamo, latched onto a precise through ball and fired a low shot past Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, igniting the Emirates crowd.
Just 12 minutes later, Rice struck again in the 70th minute, this time with a powerful header from a corner kick, doubling Arsenal’s lead and silencing the traveling Madrid faithful.
The rout was completed in the 75th minute when Mikel Merino capped off a flowing team move with a clinical finish, sealing a memorable night for the North London club.
Real Madrid, despite their storied history in the competition, were left shell-shocked and unable to respond to Arsenal’s relentless pressure.
The defeat marks a rare off-night for the 14-time Champions League winners, who now face a daunting task in the return leg scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, at 22:00 EAT.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, however, remained defiant in his post-match comments, drawing on Real Madrid’s reputation for dramatic comebacks.
“It’s very difficult, but things like this have already happened at the Bernabéu,” Ancelotti said, alluding to the club’s history of overturning deficits on home soil. “We know what we need to do, and we’ll fight until the end.”
For Arsenal, the victory is a statement of intent in their quest for a first Champions League title. Mikel Arteta’s men dominated possession and created numerous chances, with Rice’s brace and Merino’s composure proving decisive.
The Gunners will now look to protect their three-goal cushion in Madrid, though they’ll be wary of Real’s knack for defying the odds.
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