Arsenal delivered a spectacular performance in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, securing a commanding 3-0 win at the Emirates and leaving the holders on the verge of elimination.
Many had called the match the biggest occasion at the Emirates since its opening, though some may have forgotten the 2009 semi-final against Manchester United. Nonetheless, the Gunners were determined to shine in front of their home crowd.
Real Madrid’s early threat came from a quick Vinicius Junior break following a sloppy pass from Bukayo Saka, but William Saliba’s timely intervention prevented an early setback for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s men gradually gained control, exploiting Madrid’s passivity when out of possession. Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in the build-up, initiating the move that led to Thomas Partey’s shot from the edge of the box, which was saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid’s best chance came when Kylian Mbappe was denied by David Raya, and as the first half progressed, Arsenal finished the stronger side, with Bukayo Saka finding his rhythm.
Mbappe had a half-chance early in the second half, hitting the side netting, but the real magic came from Declan Rice. The English midfielder stunned the crowd with two brilliant free-kicks, opening the scoring and effectively putting the quarter-final tie in Arsenal’s favor.
The night continued to improve for the hosts as Mikel Merino added a third, finishing superbly from the edge of the box to give Arsenal a dominant position in the tie.
A late sending-off for Eduardo Camavinga further soured the evening for the visitors, who now face an uphill battle at home to have any hope of progressing.
