Arsenal vs Real Madrid Report

Scorers: Rice 58’, 70’, Merino 75’

Red card: Camavinga 90+4’

Arsenal produced one of the most iconic European nights in their history with a stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, seizing control of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final and maintaining their unbeaten H2H record against Los Blancos.

This emphatic performance not only extended the Gunners’ eight-match unbeaten run across all competitions, but also marked Real Madrid’s third straight loss in 90 minutes—a rarity in modern European football.

Saliba’s rollercoaster start as Gunners set the tempo

From the first whistle, the atmosphere inside the Emirates was electric, and the players responded in kind. William Saliba was quickly involved, clearing a dangerous Vinícius Júnior cross after a poor pass from Bukayo Saka, only to be caught unaware moments later when Thomas Partey’s flicked header inadvertently struck him on the goalline.

Declan Rice and Partey tested Raúl Asencio in Real’s goal, but it was Arsenal’s persistent attacking intent that stood out early on. Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé gave Arsenal a brief scare with near-misses at the other end, while David Raya denied the latter after an incisive pass from Jude Bellingham.

Saka, Rice and Martinelli lead Arsenal’s first-half charge

Saka began to cause panic in Madrid’s defence with a series of low crosses, but neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Martin Ødegaard could get on the end of them. When Rice did meet a cross, Thibaut Courtois produced a vital save, also denying Martinelli’s rebound.

Despite both teams enjoying periods of possession, Arsenal entered the break without reward, but their persistence was building towards a moment of brilliance.

Rice rockets Arsenal ahead with two spectacular free-kicks

The second half saw Arsenal immediately on the front foot. Although Asencio did well to thwart Rice early on, he was powerless to stop what came next.

David Alaba fouled Saka just outside the box, and up stepped Rice, who curled a magnificent free-kick around the wall to break the deadlock just before the hour mark.

Twelve minutes later, the Emirates was sent into delirium as Rice delivered another moment of magic, picking out the top corner with his second free-kick of the night—his first and second ever goals from such a set piece.

Merino caps off a special night, Camavinga sees red

The Gunners weren’t done. With a quarter-hour left, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal’s teenage prodigy, set up Mikel Merino, who finished with composure to seal the third goal and a commanding lead heading to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Frustration boiled over for the visitors in the dying seconds as Eduardo Camavinga was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, compounding an already miserable night for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

What it means

• Arsenal: Take a huge three-goal advantage to Madrid and remain unbeaten in all-time meetings with Real Madrid. Declan Rice’s masterclass has put Mikel Arteta’s side on the brink of a first UCL semi-final since 2009.
• Real Madrid: Head into the second leg without Camavinga and needing to make history to overturn this deficit. Despite the loss, their record of progressing from each of their last 12 UCL quarter-finals means they cannot be written off.

Up next

Second leg: Arsenal will travel to the Santiago Bernabéu with confidence and momentum, aiming to finish the job and take another huge step towards European glory.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Arsenal vs Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League 2024/25