Overview
- Arsenal dominated Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, with Declan Rice scoring two record-breaking free-kick goals.
- Declan Rice became the first player in Champions League history to score two direct free-kick goals in a single knockout match, cementing his status as a key player for Arsenal.
- Real Madrid, featuring Kylian Mbappé, faced heavy criticism for their lackluster performance, with Mbappé singled out for his missed opportunities.
- PSG faces Aston Villa tonight without suspended captain Marquinhos, prompting coach Luis Enrique to make key defensive adjustments, including starting Lucas Beraldo.
- Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez added tension to the matchup with a provocative gesture referencing Argentina's 2022 World Cup win over France.