Champions League: Declan Rice rips Arsenal ahead of Real Madrid, pushing defending champs to the brink

Arsenal delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Emirates Stadium, putting the defending champions on the brink of elimination. The Gunners dominated with three second-half goals, turning a goalless halftime deadlock into a commanding lead.

Declan Rice opened the scoring with a spectacular bending free kick in the 58th minute, then doubled Arsenal's advantage with an even more astonishing free kick in the 70th minute. His goals left teammates like Martin Ødegaard in disbelief and opponents like Jude Bellingham shaking their heads in dismay, while Kylian Mbappé reacted with begrudging admiration.

Mikel Merino sealed the emphatic win with Arsenal's third goal just five minutes later, igniting euphoric celebrations among the home crowd. Despite the comprehensive result, the article emphasizes that no Champions League tie against Real Madrid is concluded at halftime of a two-leg affair, noting their historic ability to overturn deficits in the competition.