Arsenal - Real Madrid: First Leg Summary of the Champions League Quarterfinals

Real Madrid suffered a tough defeat at Emirates Stadium. The Whites fell 3-0 to an unleashed Arsenal, led by an unstoppable Declan Rice.

Arteta's team was superior, especially in the second half, and left Carlo Ancelotti's team on the ropes in this first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Electric Start in London

The match started with a clear warning from Real Madrid. Mbappé tried from afar in the first minute, but his centered shot was caught without problems by David Raya. Shortly after, the Whites went on the counterattack after an error by Saka, but Vinícius couldn't connect well with Mbappé.

Arsenal also caused danger from the start. In the 5th minute, a seemingly harmless cross from Saka bounced off Camavinga's back and almost ended in an own goal. The ball grazed the post. Two minutes later, Saliba prevented an Olympic goal from Saka, clearing the corner just over the line.

Real Madrid didn't stay behind. Vinícius came close to scoring with a cross-shot that went near the crossbar. Thomas Partey replied with a shot from the edge that Courtois saved. Then, the referee reviewed a possible handball penalty by Asencio, but the play wasn't sanctioned.

Vinícius tried again in the 20th minute, with a cross shot inside the area that went very close to the post. Mbappé also had his chance. In the 31st minute, Bellingham filtered a perfect pass to him, but the Frenchman poorly finished in the one-on-one, and Raya stopped the ball.

Arsenal finished the first half better. Saka caused two clear chances, both with low crosses that went through the area without finding a finisher. Courtois saved Madrid with a spectacular double save, first from a Rice header and then from a left-footed shot by Martinelli.

Rice Breaks the Game

At the start of the second half, Mbappé had another chance, but his shot from a tight angle hit the side netting. Arsenal replied with force.

In the 57th minute came the 1-0. A great goal by Declan Rice from a direct free kick, with a shot full of spin that went over the wall and beat Courtois. The Emirates erupted.

Madrid tried to react. Bellingham shot with a backheel after a corner, but Raya caught the ball. However, Arsenal kept pressing. A triple chance between Martinelli and Mikel Merino was saved by Courtois and Alaba on the line. In the next action, Bellingham cleared another Rice shot on the line.

Rice and Merino Seal the Deal

Ten minutes later, once again Declan Rice, from a direct free kick, placed the ball in the top corner. A double from the Englishman, impossible for Courtois. Real Madrid was knocked out.

Ancelotti didn't take long to make a move. Lucas Vázquez came in for Modric. Camavinga saw yellow and will miss the return leg. Saka, exhausted, was replaced by Trossard.

In the 75th minute came the third. Mikel Merino scored with a placed left-footed shot, taking advantage of a filtered pass in the area. Arsenal's exhibition, with a Spanish touch.

Real Madrid could barely generate danger. Fran García and Brahim came in, but without impact. Arsenal managed the final stretch without any scares. Courtois saved a tight corner from Odegaard, and Fran García cut off a Trossard run.

In the 90'+3', Camavinga was sent off for a second yellow after kicking the ball away with the game stopped. A bad end to the match for the Frenchman.

Arsenal's Rout and White Nightmare

The final whistle confirmed the disaster. Arsenal 3, Real Madrid 0. A very complicated result for Ancelotti's team, who will have to seek an epic comeback at Santiago Bernabéu.

Rice was the standout figure with two free-kick goals. Courtois prevented an even bigger rout. Real Madrid will have to improve a lot if they want to stay alive in this Champions League.

The Whites' European dream is still alive, but it's an uphill battle.