In a dazzling UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash, Arsenal stunned record-holders Real Madrid with a 3-0 win, showcasing superb free kick mastery and clinical finishing.
The Emirates Stadium was electric as Arsenal's midfielder Declan Rice took center stage. In the 58th minute, his first direct free kick curled exquisitely around the wall and left Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibault Courtois stranded. Rice later explained, "It's been in the locker, but I've hit the wall too many times or it's gone over the bar. Originally I was going to cross it and then I've just seen the wall with the goalkeeper's position. I thought … just go for it."
Not content with just one moment of brilliance, Rice struck again in the 70th minute, sending a second free kick snaking into the top corner. Despite Courtois' valiant efforts with a stunning double save earlier, Real Madrid appeared disjointed throughout as Arsenal’s relentless play took over.
Adding to the flair, striker Mikel Merino capitalized on Myles Lewis-Skelly's pull-back to coolly slot home a finish 15 minutes from time, cementing the win and leaving the 15-times European champions searching for answers.
This emphatic victory not only underscores Arsenal's rising dynamism but also sets the stage for a riveting second leg in Madrid, where every moment counts in the pursuit of Champions League glory.
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Rice's free kick double fires Arsenal to 3-0 win over Real Madrid
cgtn.com
