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Declan Rice’s Double Helps Arsenal Sink Madrid At Emirates

A highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid took place at the Emirates Stadium on 8th April 2025, serving as the first leg of their knockout stage tie. Both the Gunners and Madrid went into the game wanting to beat each other and take the lead in the tie to make it easier to progress to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid, historically dominant in European competitions, was considered the favourite going into this match, but that is not how the tie between the two teams ended up playing out. This article talks about the game between Arsenal and Real Madrid.

Arsenal Shocks Real Madrid In UCL

The atmosphere during this incredible showdown was electric right from the start, with the Emirates brimming with passionate supporters eager to see their team make a statement on a grand stage. The first half showcased a tightly contested battle, with each side probing for weaknesses but failing to find clear-cut opportunities. Kylian Mbappe did manage to carve out a fantastic opportunity by linking up with Jude Bellingham. He got behind Arsenal’s defence thanks to a beautiful through ball by Bellingham, but Mbappe’s shot went straight at David Raya, who was able to make a comfortable save to keep the score at 0-0.

Neither Real Madrid nor Arsenal was able to achieve a breakthrough in the first half, and the game stood at 0-0. However, Arsenal came out in the second half with a completely different mentality and intention. They started vigorously pressing Madrid and started dominating the ball. The Gunners were awarded a free kick in the 58th minute, and English midfielder Declan Rice stood up to take it. Rice struck the ball beautifully, and it curved past the wall of defenders, bending in from outside the post to settle into the right side of the goal, outside the reach of Thibaut Courtois, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead in the game against the Los Blancos.

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While Arsenal had managed to take the lead, they kept up the pressure and were awarded another free kick in the 70th minute. As soon as the referee blew his whistle, the same thought crossed everyone’s mind: surely Declan Rice would not be able to score another one. However, this is exactly what Rice had decided to do. This free kick was a bit further away than the previous one, but Declan Rice struck the ball beautifully once more, and Rice’s shot flew into the top right corner, nestling perfectly in the goal. Rice’s brace sent the Emirates into a frenzy as Arsenal managed to take a two-goal lead over Real Madrid against all odds.

It’s a fireworks night. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/FTMYtHYXWm

— Declan Rice (@DR41fanpage) April 8, 2025

Real Madrid started getting really desperate after conceding the second goal and went all out to try and get a goal back. However, Arsenal refused to stop attacking and kept the pressure on Madrid, winning the ball high up the field. In the 75th minute, Arsenal’s pressure paid off as Leandro Trossard linked up beautifully with Lewis-Skelly before the English star squared the ball towards Mikel Merino. The Spanish star decided to go for goal and swivelled on his foot, striking the ball with his left leg. His effort caught Courtois wrong-footed, and the ball managed to go perfectly into the bottom left corner, giving Arsenal a 3-0 lead in the tie.

Real Madrid tried their best to get a goal back but were not able to score even one past the Gunners. This bitter defeat was capped off by Eduardo Camavinga picking up a second yellow card in the 90+4th minute and being sent off. This match between Arsenal and Real Madrid has left an indelible mark on the UCL season and will be remembered by Arsenal fans for ages to come. While Arsenal has a huge advantage going into the second leg, the show is never over until the fat lady sings, especially for a team like Real Madrid. It will be very interesting to see if the Los Blancos can conjure up a miracle in the return leg.

For more news articles and informative updates on Arsenal and Real Madrid football teams as well as other football and cricket updates, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com.

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