Against all expectations, logic, and pre-match statements, Real Madrid suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

The first half played out according to the script that Real Madrid had hoped for. Despite Arsenal controlling more of the ball, the Gunners struggled to create meaningful chances in attack. The visitors, meanwhile, were in no hurry, keeping one eye on the upcoming return leg. However, after the break, everything changed, and Ancelotti's plans went completely off the rails, thanks to two stunning free kicks from Declan Rice. From almost identical spots (within five meters of each other), the Arsenal midfielder sent the ball past Thibaut Courtois with precision, rendering the wall and the towering goalkeeper helpless. And before Real Madrid could recover, Merino added a third goal.

With a 3-0 deficit, Real Madrid now face a daunting task ahead of the return leg. It's a dreadful result, but not yet a death sentence. The return match will be crucial – anything can happen in football, and Real Madrid are known for their comebacks.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

Arsenal - Real 3:0 (0:0)
Goals: Rice, 58 (1:0); Rice, 70 (2:0); Merino, 75 (3:0)

Arsenal: Raya; Kiwior; Saliba; Timber J.; Lewis-Skelly; Merino; Partey T.; Rice (Tierney, 80); Saka B. (Trossard, 74); Odegaard; Martinelli
Bench: Neto; Setford; White B.; Gower; Jorginho; Zinchenko; Nwaneri; Butler-Oyedeji
Yellow Cards: Partey T. 54

Real: Courtois; Alaba (García Fr., 79); Asencio R.; Rudiger; Camavinga (till 94); Modric (Vazquez L., 71); Bellingham; Valverde F.; Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé; Rodrygo (Diaz Br., 85)
Bench: Gonzalez Fran; Mestre; Aguado D.; Vallejo; Ramón; Andres Chema; García G.; Güler A.; Endrick
Yellow Cards: Camavinga 70, 94
Red cards: Camavinga 94'