Mikel Arteta called on Arsenal and their supporters to “make it happen,” and on a raucous Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium, they delivered a potentially defining performance, stunning 15-time winners Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Declan Rice’s two spectacular second-half free-kicks provided the spark in a victory that gives the Gunners a commanding advantage heading into the second leg.
This felt like more than just a win; it felt like a potential coming-of-age moment for an Arsenal side often labelled as “nearly men” after falling short in recent Premier League title races and exiting this competition at the same stage last season. Against the undisputed kings of Europe, Arsenal responded to Arteta’s challenge with intensity and quality.
While the first half saw Arsenal apply pressure with dangerous crosses, the breakthrough came via the unlikely source of Rice’s right foot in the 58th minute. The midfielder, not previously known for his set-piece scoring, curled a brilliant effort around the wall and past Thibaut Courtois for his first career direct free-kick goal – Arsenal’s first in any competition since September 2021. Rice admitted afterwards his initial intention was simply to cross the ball.
Twelve minutes later, Rice produced an even better strike, bending another long-range free-kick into the top corner, leaving teammates like Martin Ødegaard holding their heads in disbelief. Data analysts Opta calculated the probability of Rice scoring both free-kicks at just 0.23%, adding to the sense that something special unfolded.
Mikel Merino, deployed as a makeshift striker, added a third five minutes later with a fine curled finish, before Real Madrid’s night worsened with Eduardo Camavinga’s stoppage-time dismissal for a second yellow card.
The performance was built on more than just Rice’s heroics. Bukayo Saka, returning from injury, looked refreshed and tormented the Madrid defence before being withdrawn with a knock Arsenal hope was only precautionary. Ødegaard orchestrated play effectively, teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed again on the big stage, and the team, as Arteta noted, performed collectively at the level “required to beat this incredible team.”
With their Premier League title hopes slim (trailing Liverpool by 11 points), Arsenal can now potentially channel their full focus onto achieving European glory for the first time since winning the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994. They haven’t reached a Champions League semi-final since 2009.
Despite the commanding lead, Arteta remained cautious. “You have to continue to make steps, and tonight we have won in the right direction,” he said. “We have to go to the Bernabeu and we’re going to have to elevate the level again.” Real Madrid’s unparalleled history in this competition ensures they will not relinquish their crown easily in next week’s second leg.
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