Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Arsenal Dominate Real Madrid in Champions League Quarter-Final Clash
Declan Rice delivered a stellar performance as Arsenal convincingly defeated Real Madrid 3-0 on Tuesday evening, seizing control of their Champions League quarter-final tie. The England midfielder scored two sensational set-piece goals, putting the Gunners in a commanding position in this crucial stage of the competition.
Rice initiated the scoring with a sublime, curling free-kick around the Madrid wall, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance after 58 minutes, igniting celebrations at the Emirates Stadium. He then replicated his brilliance just 12 minutes later, unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner of the net.
Mikel Merino solidified Arsenal’s triumph in the 75th minute, executing a precise, bending shot into the bottom corner while turning. Here are detailed player ratings from Express Sport for the Arsenal squad.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs Real Madrid (4-3-3 Formation)
David Raya – 7
Effectively dealt with a straightforward attempt from Kylian Mbappe in the first half and confidently managed all challenges presented, particularly in ball distribution.
Jurrien Timber – 8 (Subbed off in the 90th minute for White)
Delivered a robust performance, nullifying the threat of Vinicius Jr and preventing him from influencing the match. Demonstrated tactical intelligence in attack, moving infield to create an overload and isolate Bukayo Saka against his defender.
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William Saliba – 8
Showcased an imposing display at centre-back. Organized the defensive line effectively and intervened decisively on numerous occasions to thwart Madrid’s counter-attacking moves.
Jakub Kiwior – 7
Successfully filled in for the absent Gabriel, handling the speed and intensity of the Madrid forward line with composure.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 9
Played a key role in limiting the impact of Rodrygo and distributed astute forward passes to locate teammates in advanced areas. The 18-year-old exhibited remarkable maturity, contributing effectively at both ends of the pitch, and provided a well-weighted pass for Merino’s goal.
Thomas Partey – 7
Made several crucial tackles but was occasionally caught out of position during Madrid’s counter-attacks in the first half, which could have been punished more severely on another occasion. Covered significant ground to enable Rice and Odegaard to advance and pressure Madrid deep in their own territory. Received a yellow card.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Delivered a subdued performance as captain. Opted for uncomplicated passes to the flanks rather than attempting to unlock the Madrid defence centrally, ultimately hindering Arsenal’s central chance creation. Capable of greater influence and benefited from his teammates’ elevated performances.
Declan Rice – 9 (Subbed off in the 80th minute for Tierney)
Turned in an exceptional performance for the England national team, with his brace of goals as the standout moments. The midfielder effectively drifted into wider positions on the left flank, posing problems for Madrid’s defence. Unluckily denied an earlier goal by a brilliant Courtois save from a well-directed header.
Bukayo Saka – 9 (Subbed off in the 74th minute for Trossard)
The England international delivered a display that will long haunt David Alaba. Saka consistently maneuvered towards the goal line, delivering dangerous crosses and perhaps deserved at least one assist for his contributions.
Mikel Merino – 7
While lacking a natural striker’s instinct, leading to some misplaced crosses in the first half, the Spanish player executed a clinical finish to secure the victory and effectively dropped into midfield to generate numerical advantages.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
The Brazilian international successfully troubled Federico Valverde on the wing, and his defensive contribution was equally notable, diligently tracking back to support Lewis-Skelly in containing Rodrygo.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard – 7
Integrated play smoothly and injected the dynamism requested by Arteta to pressure the Madrid defence in the latter stages.
Kieran Tierney – 6
Provided added defensive solidity in the final minutes, along with vocal leadership, assisting the Gunners in securing a clean sheet.
Ben White
N/A – Limited playing time.