By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Arsenal delivered a stunning performance on Tuesday night, defeating Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Midfielder Declan Rice was the hero of the night, netting two sensational free-kicks in the 58th and 70th minutes to give the Gunners a commanding lead. Mikel Merino added a third goal just five minutes later, finishing off a precise cross from young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Real Madrid’s woes deepened when Eduardo Camavinga was shown a red card in stoppage time, leaving the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The result puts Mikel Arteta’s side in a strong position as they aim for a spot in the Champions League semifinals.
