Arsenal beats Real Madrid and is one step away from the Champions League semi-final
Midfielder scores twice and Merino completes the victory; English team can lose in the return leg by up to two goals and still reach the semi-finals
Run over!
This was one of Arsenal’s greatest victories in the history of the Champions League . Not just because they won 3-0, not just because they beat the current champions, and not just because it was Real Madrid with Mbappé, Vini Jr and company. The English team was far superior to Real on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium, especially in the second half. A night that was brightened up by Rice’s TWO great free kick goals. Merino scored Arsenal’s third, which now has a huge advantage in this quarter-final clash . Let’s see if Real Madrid’s eternal power of reaction will show up again.
The guy from the match. Or the beat?
Declan Rice is the first player in the history of the Champions League to score two goals from direct free kicks in a knockout match. Another interesting fact: it was his first goal from this position in his career for clubs (West Ham and Arsenal). An unforgettable night for him. Rivaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Ziyech were other players to score two goals from free kicks in the same Champions League match.
To keep, and to forget
The 3-0 scoreline is the best Arsenal have ever managed against a Spanish team in Europe’s premier club competition. Before that, in 2007/08, the English side beat Sevilla 3-0, and then in 2008/09, they beat Villarreal by the same scoreline. Arsenal pressed Real Madrid from start to finish today, with and without the ball. Midfielder Camavinga was also sent off in injury time and will not play in the return leg in Madrid.
