Arsenal secured a dominant 3–0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium.
Following a tense goalless first half, the Gunners burst into life after the break, netting all three goals in just 17 minutes. Declan Rice broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a beautifully curved free kick that ignited celebrations among the home fans. He struck again in the 70th minute, delivering another set-piece masterpiece to make it 2–0.
Mikel Merino added the third goal in the 75th minute, converting a pass from M. Lewis-Skelly to cap off an impressive display from the North London side.
Real Madrid’s night went from bad to worse as midfielder Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card in stoppage time and was sent off.
He had earlier been booked in the 69th minute for a challenge, and his dismissal in the 90+4th minute compounded the visitors’ misery.
Thomas Partey also picked up a yellow card for Arsenal in the 54th minute, shortly before the breakthrough goal.
The emphatic result puts Arsenal in a strong position ahead of the second leg as they aim to secure a place in the semi-finals.
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