Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid: Declan Rice and Merino Lead Gunners to Historic Champions League Win

Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid: Rice scores twice, Merino adds third as Gunners dominate Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid headlines are dominating the football world after a stunning performance at the Emirates Stadium. In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Arsenal delivered a second-half masterclass to defeat the reigning champions and take control of the tie.

The opening 45 minutes were tightly contested. Both teams created chances but failed to convert. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli posed constant threats on the wings for Arsenal, while Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior tested the Gunners’ defense. Goalkeepers David Raya and Thibaut Courtois made key saves to keep the score level at halftime.

Declan Rice Breaks the Deadlock

The breakthrough came in the 58th minute. Declan Rice stepped up for a free kick just outside the penalty area and curled the ball around the wall into the bottom corner. Courtois was left rooted as the Emirates erupted in celebration.

Just eleven minutes later, Rice struck again. This time, his free kick soared into the top corner, doubling Arsenal’s lead and sending fans into a frenzy. The midfielder’s brace marked one of the most memorable moments in Champions League knockout history.

Arsenal’s momentum continued. In the 75th minute, Myles Lewis-Skelly provided a precise pass to Mikel Merino, who finished clinically into the bottom corner. The goal made it 3–0 and capped off a dominant display.

Madrid’s Frustration Boils Over

Real Madrid’s night worsened in stoppage time. Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card and was sent off, adding to the Spanish side’s woes. They now face a steep challenge in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

This emphatic win not only gives Arsenal a major advantage but also signals their intent as serious contenders for the Champions League title. Fans will be hoping for another inspired performance in Madrid to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Arsenal 3-0 over Real Madrid will go down as one of the most iconic nights at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice’s brilliance and Mikel Arteta’s tactical execution have set the stage for an electrifying second leg. Football fans around the world will be watching closely to see if Arsenal can finish the job

All links on ArsenalTalks Shop are affiliate links. We may earn commissions that support our content—at no extra cost to you. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure for more information.