UEFA Champions League: Arsenal Claim 3-0 Win Over Real Madrid; Inter Secure Narrow Win Over Bayern In Germany
In a thrilling night of UEFA Champions League action, Arsenal and Inter Milan secured crucial first-leg victories in their quarter-final ties against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively.
Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid: Sublime Declan Rice Free-Kicks Inspire Famous Gunners Victory
Arsenal produced a stunning performance at the Emirates Stadium, defeating reigning champions Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Declan Rice was the star of the show, scoring two spectacular free-kicks that left Real’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois helpless.
The Gunners controlled the early stages, creating several chances but failing to find the net. In the 13th minute, Rice had an effort blocked by Raúl Asencio, and shortly after, Courtois parried a low strike from Thomas Partey. The match showcased a tense battle between two sides with a rich footballing history, and it was clear that both teams were determined to seize an early advantage.
As the first half progressed, both goalkeepers were called into action, with David Raya making a crucial save from Kylian Mbappé at close range and Courtois denying a header from Rice, followed by a follow-up from Gabriel Martinelli. With both teams showing resilience, it became evident that only a moment of outstanding quality would break the deadlock.
That moment arrived in the 58th minute when Rice unleashed a ferocious free-kick that curled perfectly inside the post, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The pressure mounted as Arsenal continued to attack, forcing Real Madrid into a defensive stance. Rice found himself presented with another opportunity from a free-kick in the 70th minute, and he delivered once again, firing an arrowed shot into the far corner to double the lead.
Mikel Merino added a third goal in the 75th minute, expertly finishing from a pass by Myles Lewis-Skelly. The visitors faced further trouble when Eduardo Camavinga was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving Madrid with a daunting task ahead of the second leg.
After the match, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta praised his team’s collective effort and the electric atmosphere created by the fans. “It was a complete performance. Declan’s goals were magic moments that decided the match,” he said. Rice reflected on his performance, noting the significance of the moment and expressing excitement for the upcoming second leg in Madrid. “I just had the confidence to hit it. It’s not hit me yet, but I’m over the moon,” he stated.
With this commanding victory, Arsenal now holds a strong position heading into the second leg, where they will look to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the semi-finals against Paris Saint Germain or Aston Villa.
Bayern Munich 1-2 Inter Milan: Nerazzurri Strike Late to Earn Advantage
In another captivating encounter, Inter Milan edged past Bayern Munich 2-1 in Munich, thanks to a late winner from Davide Frattesi in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The match was a tactical battle, with Bayern starting strong and dominating possession, but it was Inter who struck first.
Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the first half with a brilliant finish, converting a well-executed move that showcased Inter’s counter-attacking prowess. The goal came as a surprise to Bayern, who had been pressing for an opener of their own. Martínez’s strike marked his sixth goal in his last four Champions League appearances, highlighting his importance to the team.
Bayern continued to press, with Raphaël Guerreiro, Michael Olise, and Harry Kane testing goalkeeper Yann Sommer during a dominant start. Kane nearly found the net with a curling shot that struck the post, but despite their efforts, Bayern struggled to capitalize on their chances as they entered the half-time break trailing.
As the second half unfolded, Bayern ramped up the pressure, but Inter’s defense remained resolute. Just when it looked like Inter would secure a clean sheet, Thomas Müller, a substitute, equalized in the 85th minute, tapping in a goal that reignited Bayern’s hopes. The stadium erupted as fans sensed a late comeback.
However, the drama didn’t end there. Just three minutes later, in a swift counter-attack, Inter responded with Frattesi’s emphatic close-range strike, restoring their lead and giving them a vital advantage heading into the second leg. This late twist not only secured a crucial away goal but also made history as Inter became the first team to win at Bayern in the Champions League since Paris Saint-Germain in April 2021.
After the match, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi expressed pride in his team’s resilience, stating, “We did something remarkable, but it won’t matter unless we do it in the second leg at San Siro.” Bayern’s Vincent Kompany acknowledged the missed opportunities, emphasizing that they would regroup ahead of the return match.
Looking ahead, both teams will face off again on April 16 in Milan, where Bayern will aim to overturn the deficit while Inter looks to secure their place in the semi-finals with a tie against Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund.
