Declan Rice may grab the headlines, but Arsenal’s entire team delivered a dominant second-half performance to stun Real Madrid. Althologugh Madrid had the better chances in the first half — with Mbappé threatening on multiple occasions — Arsenal flipped the script after the break. They pressed relentlessly, forcing Madrid deep and taking full control.
Thibaut Courtois did his best to keep Madrid in the game with several top saves, but Rice’s two stunning set-piece goals broke the deadlock and sent the Emirates into celebration. Mikel Merino added a classy third, putting the result beyond doubt.
Madrid looked flat and uninspired in the final stages, unable to respond to Arsenal’s intensity. With the tie heading to the Bernabéu, Ancelotti’s side now face a massive uphill battle to stay in the Champions League. Arsenal, meanwhile, are full of belief — and with Rice in this kind of form, they’re looking like serious contenders.
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