Declan Rice’s brilliant performance takes Arsenal a step closer to Champions League semifinals
The performance was headlined by Declan Rice, who delivered a standout display that captured the attention of football fans worldwide.
KATHMANDU: Arsenal took a giant leap toward the Champions League semifinals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
The performance was headlined by Declan Rice, who delivered a standout display that captured the attention of football fans worldwide.
From the start, Arsenal were aggressive, applying constant pressure on Real Madrid with a flurry of crosses into the penalty box. For the first 20 minutes, Real Madrid struggled to create significant opportunities. Vinícius Júnior’s early attempt flew wide of the post.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the second half.
In the 58th minute, Declan Rice showcased his class by scoring a stunning free-kick, giving Arsenal the lead. The ball sailed past the Real Madrid wall and nestled into the back of the net, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Rice wasn’t done yet. In the 70th minute, he found the back of the net again with another expertly taken free-kick, doubling Arsenal’s advantage. His confident performance played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s dominance.
The game was sealed in the 75th minute when Mikel Merino completed a brilliant finish, making it 3-0. Real Madrid’s troubles were compounded when Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving them with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
With this resounding victory, Arsenal is now on the verge of reaching their first Champions League semifinal since the 2008/09 season.
However, with the second leg set to take place at Real Madrid’s home ground, the challenge is far from over.
In another quarterfinal first-leg match, Inter Milan claimed a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich, taking a slender advantage into the second leg.
This defeat also ended Bayern’s 22-match unbeaten streak at home in the Champions League.
Arsenal’s impressive performance has brought them one step closer to a historic semifinal berth, but they will need to hold their ground in Madrid to secure their place in the final four.
