UEFA CL: Arsenal tames Real Madrid (3-0)!

A memorable night at the Emirates Stadium! Relentless, Arsenal handed a heavy defeat to Real Madrid (3-0) on Tuesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

From the first minutes, the Gunners imposed a frantic pace. Saka spread panic, and a risky clearance from Rüdiger almost caught Courtois off guard.

Saliba, clumsy on a corner, added to the pressure on a shaky Madrid defense. Partey already forced the Belgian keeper into a fine save.

Declan Rice, the hero!

The troubled Real found some semblance of control thanks to Bellingham. On a good ball from the Englishman, Mbappé tried his luck, but Raya was vigilant. Courtois then shone against Rice and Martinelli before the break.

But after the break, everything changed. Rice unleashed a monumental strike from a free-kick (1-0, 58th minute). Then, after several last-ditch saves by Courtois, Alaba, and Bellingham, the Englishman did it again with a top-corner shot from another free-kick (2-0, 70th minute).

Madrid completely crumbled after a third goal by Merino (3-0, 75th minute). Reduced to ten men after Camavinga's expulsion, Los Blancos now face a daunting challenge in the return match.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.