North London turned electric as Arsenal delivered a Champions League masterclass, dismantling Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash. The Gunners, led by a tactically sharp Mikel Arteta, put on a performance that left the Spanish giants reeling.
With Declan Rice curling in two sublime free-kicks and Mikel Merino stepping up as a surprise scorer, Arsenal seized total control of the tie in front of a roaring Emirates crowd.
Jude Bellingham: “We Were Miles Off It”
In the aftermath of the crushing loss, Jude Bellingham didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts. The England international, visibly frustrated yet composed, acknowledged that Real Madrid were thoroughly outplayed on the night.
“We’re lucky it was only three,” Bellingham told reporters post-match. “We just weren’t at the races. That’s the truth. Arsenal were sharp, well-organized, and punished us. Honestly, they could’ve had five or six.”
Bellingham’s candid reflection comes as Madrid face the daunting task of overturning a three-goal deficit in the return leg. Despite being one of Europe’s most decorated sides, Los Blancos looked a shadow of themselves, struggling to match Arsenal’s intensity and fluid play.
From the outset, Arsenal looked like the side with more hunger and belief. Their midfield, anchored by Rice, dominated possession and set the tone. Rice’s brace from set-pieces was nothing short of spectacular—precision, power, and perfect placement.
And while many expected the goals to come from Arsenal’s front line, it was makeshift striker Mikel Merino who added a third, capitalizing on defensive confusion to drive the final nail into Madrid’s coffin.
It was a performance that underlined how far Arteta’s project has come—and just how real Arsenal’s Champions League ambitions are this season.
While a 3-0 deficit is daunting, Bellingham isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet.
“There’s still another 90 minutes to play,” he said. “We have to believe. Madrid’s history in this competition speaks for itself.”
Indeed, Real Madrid’s comebacks in the Champions League are the stuff of legend. From the miraculous turnarounds against PSG and Chelsea in 2022 to their late heroics against Manchester City, writing them off would be premature.
Still, Arsenal now holds all the cards, and with the return leg looming at the Santiago Bernabéu, the pressure is firmly on the Spanish giants to respond.
Arsenal didn’t just win—they made a statement. Against a club with 14 Champions League titles, Arteta’s men showcased confidence, tactical maturity, and ruthless execution. For Bellingham and Madrid, there’s work to do—and fast.
The return leg promises to be electric, but if this first leg is anything to go by, Arsenal may already have one foot in the semi-finals.