Anything can happen, but you couldn’t have predicted a 3-0 win for Arsenal at home against Real Madrid. Not even the players could have thought it. Real Madrid were washed away by a stupendous performance by Arsenal.
The first half between Arsenal and Real Madrid was a tough one as both teams refused to give in. Arsenal started the match strongly, attacking the Madrid goal as quickly as possible.
In a matter of minutes, they established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They had much of the possession in the first and almost took the lead. Arsenal had a long-range shot from Partey blocked by Courtois which raised the volume at the Emirates.
Arsenal stepped up the gears with Saka who went past Jude Bellingham and flashed in a teasing cross, but it was parried by Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid had chances of their own in the first half. Jude Bellingham found the run of Kylian Mbappe with a sublime through ball. Mbappe got his shot on target, but Raya was well on hand to deny him.
Arsenal ended the first half on a good note as they tested Courtois yet again. Timber’s cross from the left flank met the head of Declan Rice, but once again, Courtois was alert to deny the Englishman.
The ball fell kindly into the path of Martinelli, who fired straight at goal, but Courtois was up quickly to deny him yet again. The double save from Courtois kept Madrid in the tie and the scoreline goalless at halftime.
The second half felt like magic. Literally. It started off quietly, but in 17 minutes, Real Madrid were undone.
Declan Rice hit a fantastic free kick in the 58th minute to give Arsenal the lead. You couldn’t have seen that in the script, but what happened next was even more impressive. Declan Rice again hit another wonderful freekick from distance to send Arsenal 2 goals up.
Madrid were dumbfounded. How has Rice scored two freekicks in one game and against Thibaut Courtois? I’m sure Madrid fans had that on their mind.
Like it wasn’t enough, Merino added a third with a swerving ball to the left of Courtois’ goal.
In 17 minutes, Arsenal were unbelievable. Madrid were swept off their feet and they landed firmly on their faces. This performance will go down as the greatest night at the Emirates and Arsenal fans will enjoy this for a long time.
