Laying down what was a sensational European marker on Tuesday night, Arsenal moved themselves to the cusp of the Champions League’s final four as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp against Real Madrid.
While both camps might have largely edged each other out during the first-half, Mikel Arteta’s side came flying out of the traps following the restart and made quite the statement in north London.
With Arsenal once again playing without an established number nine, it was England international Declan Rice who stole all of the headlines as the ex-West Ham skipper produced a pair of sublime free-kicks that were separated by just 12 minutes.
Backed by an emotional home support on Tuesday night, makeshift striker Mikel Merino sent the Emirates crowd into overdrive as the former Real Sociedad ace swept home in the final 15 minutes.
Sat firmly in the driving seat and laying down a major statement of intent, Arteta’s camp will travel to Madrid next week knowing that they are on the cusp of Champions League history.
As for the defending champions, completely blown away after returning from the half-time break, Los Blancos looked completely dejected in the final moments and their nightmare in north London was epitomised by Eduardo Camavinga’s late sending off.
In what was a famous European night from the Emirates, we have taken a look at the main talking points.
A statement win for the Gunners
While Liverpool might have fallen to a shock 3-2 loss away at Fulham over the weekend, Arsenal have already accepted that their domestic title dreams are firmly over for another season.
Currently sat 11 points adrift of the runaway leaders, it is no secret that the Gunners have placed all of their eggs in the European basket and Champions League success is their only chance of claiming a piece of silverware in 2025.
While Arsenal might have been bracing themselves for a heavyweight task against the defending European champions here, Tuesday’s hosts laid down what was an iconic marker in north London.
Completely dominating large spells and unfortunate to not have added to their three goals, Arteta’s squad are firmly sat in the driving seat and will certainly be relishing an iconic trip to Madrid next week.
Suffering just a single defeat at the Emirates across all competitions so far this season, Tuesday’s performance certainly underlined Arsenal’s status as a genuine Champions League contender over the next couple of months.
Where now for Ancelotti?
Suffering last-gasp heartbreak at home against Valencia last weekend as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss in the Spanish capital, Real Madrid have endured a pair of public blows over the past few days.
Currently sat four points adrift of arch-rivals La Liga in this season’s title chase, Carlo Ancelotti’s men find their dreams hanging by a thread and the pressure on the former AC Milan boss appears to be at a boiling point.
Completely blown away when returning from the half-time break and now seeking what would be another astonishing Champions League comeback when they return to Madrid next week, Tuesday’s guests are set to face a huge amount of scrutiny when they return home.
Despite extending on their Copa del Rey adventure last week following a remarkable 5-4 aggregate win against Real Sociedad, Los Blancos have gained a real reputation for their glaring defensive struggles.
Despite marking their return from March’s international break with an action-packed 3-2 victory against Leganes, Ancelotti’s downbeat squad have shipped 11 goals in their four appearances since returning from the fortnight interval.
All eyes fall on the Bernabeu next week
Not reaching the Champions League semi-finals since way back in 2009, Arsenal will be more than aware that chances will not come any better than this.
Storming their way past the defending champions and travelling to Madrid next week holding a commanding three-goal advantage, Arteta’s squad already have one foot firmly in the final four.
Landing a famous 1-0 victory when they last travelled to the Bernabeu for a Champions League knockout stage showdown back in February 2006, Arsenal will certainly be relishing a long-awaited return to Madrid.
Already knowing that they will face the winner of PSG and Aston Villa next month, there is no doubt that Arteta and his backroom staff will be closely watching Wednesday’s first-leg battle from Paris.
Match Report
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
Subs: White, Tierney, Trossard
Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga, Modric, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
Subs: Diaz, Garcia, Vazquez
Goals: Rice (58’, 70’), Merino (75’)
Yellow Cards: Arsenal: Partey – Real Madrid: Camavinga
Red Cards: Camavinga (90+4;)
Referee: Irfan Peljto
