UCL: Arsenal Thrash 10-Man Real Madrid 3-0, While Inter Shock Bayern with Late 2-1 Victory

Arsenal secured a resounding 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, with Declan Rice scoring a brace from free-kicks and Mikel Merino adding a third.

After a slow start, Real Madrid struggled to gain a foothold in the match, as Arsenal dominated the first half. The Gunners were left frustrated just before the break, when Thibaut Courtois pulled off an extraordinary double save to deny them the lead.

The second half came alive in the 58th minute when Rice broke the deadlock with a brilliant direct free-kick, marking his first senior goal from such a set-piece. Just twelve minutes later, he struck again with an even more remarkable free-kick, leaving Courtois powerless.

With just 15 minutes remaining, Mikel Merino sealed the win, calmly finishing into the bottom corner. Real Madrid’s misery was compounded late on when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off for a second bookable offence. Arsenal now travel to Madrid next week with a commanding three-goal advantage.

In the other UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, Davide Frattesi struck a dramatic 88th-minute winner to give Inter Milan a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich. The late goal secured a crucial away win for the Italian side

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez had given his team the lead in the 38th minute, finishing after a brilliant backheel from Marcus Thuram. Bayern had been unlucky earlier in the match, with Harry Kane’s shot hitting the post.

The game looked set to end in a draw when Bayern substitute Thomas Müller, in his final season at the club after 25 years, equalised in the 85th minute, sparking scenes of jubilation in the stands.

However, Inter responded with a clinical finish just minutes later. Carlos Augusto found space on the left wing and delivered a precise cutback for Frattesi to slot home the winner, silencing the home crowd.

Inter Milan, known for their strong defensive record this season, will host Bayern in the return leg on April 16 with a slender but significant advantage.