Declan Rice scores twice as ‘Gunners’ dismantle ‘Los Blancos’ 3-0 at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal’s Tactical Setup and Early Pressure Trouble Real Madrid

The Gunners lined up in their usual 4-3-3 formation, with Jakub Kiwior stepping in for the injured Gabriel, who is sidelined for the season. The Polish international partnered William Saliba in central defence, while Jurrien Timber and Lewis Skelly operated as full-backs. In midfield, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and captain Martin Odegaard controlled the tempo, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli flanking makeshift striker Mikel Merino.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, deployed a 4-4-2 setup. Federico Valverde, Marco Asensio, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba formed the backline. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga anchored the midfield, supported by Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo on the wings. The attacking duo of Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Junior led the line.

Arsenal asserted dominance early in the match, nearly scoring in the 13th minute. Martinelli’s run down the byline set up Merino, who laid it off for Partey. The Ghanaian’s low strike was saved well by Thibaut Courtois.

ALSO READ: Harry Brook to lead the English White ball team from May

Real Madrid sought to counter Arsenal’s high defensive line and nearly capitalized in the 31st minute. Mbappe latched onto a clever through-ball from Bellingham but his shot from outside the box was comfortably handled by David Raya.

Then in the closing stages of the first half, Declan Rice jumped high to meet Timber’s cross and glanced a promising header from close range towards the bottom left corner, but Courtois pulled off a brilliant save before stopping Martinelli’s follow-up strike.

Declan Rice Free-Kick Masterclass Shocks Los Blancos

The Gunners came out attacking after the break, with Asensio quickly denying Rice another chance. But in the 57th minute, a foul by Alaba on Saka gave Rice a set-piece opportunity. The Englishman stepped up and curled a sensational 30-yard free-kick over the wall and past Courtois into the net.

From there, it was all Arsenal. In the 70th minute, another foul—this time by Camavinga—led to Rice’s second wonder strike, this time thundering into the top-right corner. Courtois was again left helpless.

Just five minutes later, Arsenal struck again. Rice drove forward from midfield and found Lewis Skelly, who linked up with substitute Leandro Trossard on the wing. Trossard’s cross found Merino, who smashed a first-time left-footed shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Arsenal Take Commanding Lead into Second Leg at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made several substitutions in an effort to spark a comeback, but the damage was done. Camavinga’s late red card for a second booking only added to Madrid’s woes.

The Galacticos now face a monumental challenge at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 17 if they are to overturn the deficit and continue their pursuit of a record 16th UEFA Champions League title.

In the night’s other quarter-final, Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Allianz Arena, setting up a thrilling second leg in Italy.