Overview
- Declan Rice scored two spectacular free-kicks, marking his first career goals from set-pieces, to secure Arsenal's commanding lead.
- Mikel Merino added a third goal, capitalizing on Real Madrid's defensive struggles and sealing Arsenal's emphatic victory at the Emirates Stadium.
- Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga was sent off late in the match, further complicating their chances for a comeback in the second leg.
- Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Real Madrid's slim chances of overturning the deficit but emphasized their history of dramatic comebacks at the Bernabeu.
- Arsenal are now well-positioned to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2009, with the second leg scheduled for April 16 in Madrid.