Declan Rice showed why Arsenal paid 110 million pounds to West Ham United for the signature of the English midfielder. He outclassed all the world-cla
Declan Rice showed why Arsenal paid 110 million pounds to West Ham United for the signature of the English midfielder. He outclassed all the world-class players on the Emirates Stadium pitch with a performance that even the kings of the UEFA Champions League will admire.
Arsenal, ahead of the game, were optimistic of beating Real Madrid because Real Madrid has lately not been playing well. The Gunners started so well on the night and showed everyone that they are ready to battle the defending champions.
Many chances were not created in the first half by both teams, with Arsenal coming close via a corner kick where Partey’s header hit Kiwior when the ball was heading towards Real Madrid’s post. Los Blancos, on the other hand’s only chance when Bellingham put Mbappe through on goal. The French forward could not open his body well, hence failed to beat Raya with his effort.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams looking likely to score in the second half.
The moment of magic started when Arsenal got a free kick in the 57th minute. Declan Rice scored a great free kick from mid-range as he sent the ball directly to the right post, where Courtois had no chance of stopping it. Arsenal took a 1-0 lead.
In the 70th minute, the Gunners scored once again from a free kick by Rice. He sent the ball into the right corner, much to the surprise of everybody, to make it 2-0.
Declan Rice became the FIRST player ever to score 2 goals from direct free kicks in a Champions League knockout stage match.
Teenager Lewis-Skelly set up Mikel Merino, whose first-time shot went into the bottom left corner to make it 3-0.
The second leg is next Wednesday, where Real Madrid will look forward to overturning the 3-0 deficit. The defending champions will need a monumental performance to turn this around.
In the other game of the night, Inter Milan won 2-1 at Bayern Munich. Lautaro Martinez’s strike in the 38th minute put Inter in a wonderful lead. Substitute Thomas Muller with five minutes from time restored parity for the home team after tapping in Laimer’s cross. Frattesi in the 88th minute scored the all-important goal for Inter Milan to win 2-1. Bayern Munich must now win in Italy to progress to the semi-finals.
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