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Arsenal Thrash Real Madrid: Mbappe's Message and Match Highlights
Arsenal delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, leaving the Spanish giants reeling and prompting a reaction from Kylian Mbappé. Declan Rice's two sensational free-kicks and Mikel Merino's goal sealed a historic win for the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, leaving them in a commanding position ahead of the second leg.
Mbappé's Reaction and the Road Ahead
Following Real Madrid's defeat, Kylian Mbappé took to Instagram, posting an image of himself during the match with the caption: “Hay que creer hasta el final,” meaning "you have to believe until the end." This message, a rallying cry to his teammates, acknowledges the significant deficit but maintains hope for a comeback at the Bernabéu. Jude Bellingham echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Real Madrid's home advantage and their capacity for dramatic turnarounds.
Declan Rice's Masterclass
Declan Rice stole the show, scoring two breathtaking free-kicks, a feat unprecedented in Champions League knockout history. His first, a perfectly curled effort, and his second, a thunderous strike into the top corner, left Thibaut Courtois helpless. Rice's performance extended beyond these goals, showcasing his all-around excellence in midfield. He even defied his set-piece coach's instructions to cross the ball, opting for a direct shot with stunning results. This unexpected display of free-kick prowess highlights his evolving attacking capabilities.
Other Key Performances
While Rice dominated headlines, other Arsenal players also delivered exceptional performances. Myles Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old left-back, provided an assist for Merino's goal and showcased remarkable composure and skill, while Jurrien Timber impressively nullified Vinicius Jr.'s attacking threat. Mikel Merino, playing as a makeshift striker, capitalized on opportunities, scoring a key third goal. The collective performance highlighted Arsenal's strength and depth.
Ancelotti's Assessment and the Second Leg
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti conceded that Arsenal were superior, acknowledging his team's mental and physical struggles after conceding the two free-kicks. While he acknowledged the difficulty of a comeback, he maintains the belief that Real Madrid can still pull off a miracle at the Bernabéu. The second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, but Arsenal's commanding lead positions them as strong favorites to progress to the semi-finals.
Conclusion
Arsenal's dominant victory over Real Madrid was a monumental moment, fueled by Declan Rice's unforgettable performance and a collective team effort. While the tie isn't over, Arsenal holds a significant advantage, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the second leg. Will Real Madrid mount a remarkable comeback, or will Arsenal secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals? Only time will tell. Stay tuned!
