With two dream free kicks and a merino goal, the Arsenal dupies a real Madrid, according to the press in Spain, “only the legend of Bernabeu” can help.
Real Madrid is a permanent guest in the Champions League semi-final and defending champion, but is now threatening to discharge in the quarter-finals. In the first leg on Tuesday in London, Real lost to Arsenal 0: 3 (0: 0).
AS: It needs “the legend of Bernabeu”
The Spanish sports newspaper “AS” already called higher football powers to make the opportunities of the Madrilenen for the second leg reality: “Now it is in the hands of the legend of the Bernabeu, bathed in adrenaline and surprised. Arsenal can only be beaten by the history.” “BBC Sports” saw it similarly: “As good as the result and the Arsenal game were: Madrid has created many magical moments in this competition in the past. Arsenal will once again need a strong performance.”
In a long balanced game, Declan Rice made the difference: With two spectacular free kick goals (58th, 70th), the Englishman brought Arsenal to the winning road, Mikel Merino (75th). Reals Eduardo Camavinga saw yellow-red (90.+4) in added time.
Arsenal, second in the table in the Premier League, now has an excellent starting point for the second leg next Wednesday, April 16, at 9 p.m. in Madrid. However, real, as the international press already realizes, is to trust everything in the premier class, especially in front of a domestic backdrop – in the past 14 years the Spaniards have only missed the semi -finals twice.
Goalkeeper Raya and Courtois challenged
The teams had met from the start at eye level, the game had speed, class and some degrees. One of the most dangerous scenes was an attempt at clarification by international Antonio Rüdiger when he shot his Madrid teammate Camavinga close to his own goal and caused almost an own goal (6th).
Otherwise, Kylian Mbappé’s shot from an acute angle was remembered from the first half, Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya parried Stark (31st). On the other hand, the Thibaut Courtois, ready for use, defused with a double parade first the header from Rice, then the margin of Gabriel Martinelli (44.).
Kylian Mbappé was well positioned
As the second in the table of the Premier League, FC Arsenal has so much distance up and down that it can concentrate fully on the Champions League – last coach Mikel Areteta, which was beautiful in 1: 1 in the league at FC Everton.
Real has recently achieved mixed results and lost 1-2 at the descent threatened at the relegation -threatened FC Valencia, but also held well in London after the break. France’s striker Mbappé in particular was very active and caused danger.
Rice circulates the ball around the wall
After almost an hour, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, after a four -month injury break, pulled a hope again, in the middle, Reals David Alaba stopped him unfair. Rice circled the due free kick from 25 meters in the right corner – the only four men strong Madrid Wall was not optimal.
Arsenal’s best phase followed with wild scenes. Courtois, Alaba just in front of the line and again Courtois saved in a triple chance, shortly afterwards Jude Bellingham had to clarify on the line.
Rice goes one step further
Anyone who thought that Rice’s beautiful free kick to 1-0 would hardly be topped in the 70th minute of a better one. Again the ball was 25 meters in front of the goal, Rice started again – and conjured up the ball perfectly in the right angle, a spectacular goal.
Arsenal now played into a intoxicated and increased by Merino – the temporary center striker hit the edge of the penalty area with a nice direct acceptance.
Saka and Rice replaced replaced
The Arsenal fans in the stadium celebrated their team, but there were also drops of bitterness. The saka, which was just recovered, went from the field in the 74th minute and six minutes later Rice also had to be replaced. However, the double scorer seemed solved and happy after the final whistle and seemed to have not worn it out.