Arsenal produced a superb footballing display that set up a 3-0 first leg advantage in their Champions League quarter final. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, showcased Declan Rice’s exceptional talent as he scored two stunning free kicks, propelling his team toward a potential return to the semifinals for the first time since 2009. This battle served as the clubs’ first meeting with one another since 2006, when Arsenal knocked Madrid out in the round of 16.
Then in the 58th minute, Rice rocketed a beautiful free kick. He bent it beautifully over the Madrid wall and into the near post, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois absolutely no chance at all. This early goal set the tone for Arsenal’s dominance, as they converted almost every chance they created during the game. Only five minutes had passed when Mikel Merino added a third. This save deepened Arsenal’s lead and took them a step closer to moving on in the competition.
Interestingly Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti also recognized how difficult Seattle made things for them over the course of the match. He went on to note that a more polished display from Arsenal could easily have produced a harsher scoreline. He pointed out their struggles in the attacking third of the field.
“We were nowhere near it, that’s the fact. Arsenal were really good. I know two of their goals were free kicks but, to be honest, they could have had way more. We were lucky to get away with three.” – Jude Bellingham
Bellingham’s comments summarized the disappointment that permeated through the Madrid locker room as they had to come to terms with their performance. He emphasized that the team’s mental state declined significantly during the match’s last half-hour, contributing to their inability to respond effectively to Arsenal’s pressure.
“We did not react as we need to react and they scored another goal and now it will be very difficult but we have to try. Mentally, we went down and we had problems in the last 30 minutes of the game.” – Real Madrid player
Bellingham remained optimistic heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu, despite that disappointment. He told them to expect the unexpected as anything was possible when playing in front of their diehard home fans.
“If there’s one place where crazy things can happen, it’s our house … We are still alive, we’ve still got 90 minutes of football and anything can happen at the Bernabeu.” – Jude Bellingham
Declan Rice on how he felt after his superb display. He’s staying fully focused on the next fight.
“It’s not going to hit me yet because there is another leg to go,” – Declan Rice
“I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m over the moon. I don’t mean to be cliched but I think this will hit me in a few years’ time – that what I did was really special.” – Declan Rice
When Arsenal go to Madrid for the second leg, they will do so with a healthy advantage. With both sides desperate for a place in the last four, excitement filled the air. As everyone awaits what promises to be an electrifying return match at the famed Bernabeu,
