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London, 8 April 2025 – Arsenal produced a scintillating second-half performance to thrash Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. A brace from Declan Rice and a late strike from Mikel Merino handed the Gunners a resounding victory, leaving the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb in the return leg.

The first half at the Emirates, once known as Highbury, was a tense affair, with both sides probing but failing to break the deadlock. Real Madrid’s defence held firm against Arsenal’s early pressure, while the Gunners’ backline, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, kept the likes of Vinícius Jr at bay. The scoreline remained 0-0 at the interval, setting the stage for an explosive second half.

Mikel Arteta’s men emerged from the tunnel with renewed fire, and it didn’t take long for them to assert their dominance. In the 53rd minute, Arsenal won a free kick 25 yards out after a clumsy challenge on Bukayo Saka. Declan Rice stepped up and delivered a moment of magic, bending a superb shot over the wall and past a helpless Thibaut Courtois to open the scoring. The Emirates erupted as the Gunners took control.

Ten minutes later, Rice struck again. Another foul on the edge of the box gifted Arsenal a second set-piece opportunity, and the England midfielder made no mistake, whipping a venomous free kick into the top corner to leave Courtois grasping at thin air. The 2-0 lead reflected Arsenal’s relentless pressure and Rice’s mastery from dead-ball situations.

The third goal arrived in the 78th minute, putting the seal on a historic night. Mikel Merino, the summer signing who has quietly grown into a key figure for Arteta, rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Martin Ødegaard, powering a header into the net. The Spaniard’s clinical finish sparked wild celebrations, as Arsenal ran riot against a dazed Real Madrid side.

The visitors, despite their glittering array of talent, were toothless throughout. Arsenal’s defence stood resolute, with David Raya barely called into action, underscoring the Gunners’ total control in the second period.
Arteta was full of praise for his team’s second-half display. “We stepped it up after the break—Declan’s set-pieces were world-class, and Mikel’s goal capped a brilliant night,” he said. “It’s a fantastic result, but we’re only halfway there.”
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was left to rue a torrid evening. “We couldn’t cope with their intensity in the second half,” he admitted. “It’s a tough scoreline, but we’ll fight back at the Bernabeu.”
With a 3-0 lead, Arsenal head to Madrid for the second leg on 16 April 2025 in a commanding position. This demolition of one of Europe’s elite could prove a defining step towards their first Champions League semi-final since 2009. For now, the Emirates faithful are basking in a night of sheer dominance.