Declan Rice scored two stunning free kicks to lead Arsenal to a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Gatekeepers News reports that the win puts Arsenal in a strong position ahead of the second leg next week.
Rice’s two free kicks, scored in the 58th and 70th minutes, caught Real Madrid off guard. The England midfielder’s precision and power left goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance.
“With all eyes on Bukayo to strike the ball, Courtois and the porous defensive wall was surprised when Rice hit a rocket with precision into the top corner,” the report said.
Real Madrid struggled to contain Arsenal’s attack, with Courtois making crucial saves to deny Rice and Martinelli in the first half.
The team’s defense was porous, and they were ultimately unable to withstand Arsenal’s pressure.
Eduardo Camavinga’s red card in added time capped off a poor night for Real Madrid. The victory extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run against Real Madrid to three matches in the UCL and makes them the firm favorites for a first semi-final appearance in 16 years.
In the other match of the night, Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Allianz Arena. Lautaro Martinez’s exquisite strike and Davide Frattesi’s late winner gave Inter the advantage ahead of next week’s second leg in Italy.
