London, April 9, 2025 – Arsenal delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, propelled by two sensational free kicks from midfielder Declan Rice. Meanwhile, in Munich, Inter Milan edged out Bayern Munich 2-1 in a dramatic encounter, setting the stage for an exhilarating second leg in both ties.
Arsenal’s Masterclass at the Emirates
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal showcased their intent to return to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009. Declan Rice, the Gunners’ £105 million signing from West Ham, stole the spotlight with a brace of breathtaking free kicks. The 25-year-old opened the scoring in the 58th minute, bending a precise effort around the Madrid wall and past a helpless Thibaut Courtois. Just 12 minutes later, with Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos watching from the stands, Rice struck again, curling another free kick into the top corner to double Arsenal’s lead.
Mikel Merino sealed the rout five minutes later, heading in a pinpoint cross to give Arsenal a commanding advantage heading into the second leg on April 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Courtois’ heroics in goal prevented an even more lopsided scoreline, denying Arsenal several clear chances.
“In the second half, we knew we had to score, and to get three was a real positive,” Rice told Prime Sports post-match. “The manager told us to be super convinced we could win this game, and as a team, we fought for each other out there.”
Real Madrid, last season’s La Liga and Champions League double winners, struggled to find their rhythm. Kylian Mbappe came closest for the visitors, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya stood tall with two crucial saves. Manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted the challenge ahead: “For 68 minutes, the game was level, then they hit two fantastic free kicks, and it changed. We didn’t react well, and now it’s very difficult, but we have to try at the Bernabeu.”
Jude Bellingham, Real’s star midfielder, was blunt in his assessment: “We were nowhere near it. Arsenal were really good—they could have had way more. We’re still alive, though, and anything can happen at our house.”
Inter Milan Shock Bayern in Munich
In the other quarterfinal clash on April 8, Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with a 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena. Lautaro Martínez put the Nerazzurri ahead in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Bayern fought back late, with substitute Thomas Müller equalizing in the 85th minute, only for Davide Frattesi to snatch a dramatic winner three minutes later.
The result ended Bayern’s 22-match unbeaten home streak in European competition and handed Inter a slender advantage heading into the second leg on April 15 at the San Siro. Bayern, plagued by injuries to key players like Jamal Musiala, struggled to convert their dominance into goals, with Harry Kane missing a golden opportunity early on.
“Inter were brutally efficient,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany lamented. “We had chances but couldn’t take them. It’s a tough blow, but we’ll regroup for Milan.”
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi praised his team’s resilience: “We faced a top side and stayed compact. This is a big step, but it’s only halftime in the tie.”
What’s Next?
Both ties remain alive as the Champions League quarterfinals head to their decisive second legs. Arsenal will look to defend their three-goal cushion against a wounded Real Madrid side known for Bernabeu comebacks, while Bayern Munich face a must-win scenario in Milan against a defensively stout Inter team eyeing a repeat of their 2010 treble-winning campaign.
With the semifinals in sight—Arsenal potentially facing Aston Villa or PSG, and Inter set to meet either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund—the stakes couldn’t be higher. Football fans worldwide are in for a treat as these European giants battle for supremacy.
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