Arsenal v Real Madrid - as it happened
List of goalscorers
Match report in news
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90+6'FT: Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid. It all happened in the second half at the Emirates. The Gunners provided a better display in the first period and their efforts were rewarded as Declan Rice struck directly from the free-kick in the 58th minute. The midfielder did it again in the 70th minute, hitting an even more incredible set-piece into the top right corner and giving Courtois no chance. Merino rounded off the scoring five minutes later to give Arteta's side a massive lead ahead of the second leg.
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90+5'Second yellow for Camavinga, and it's a red card for the French midfielder for kicking the ball away. He was already suspended for the second leg, but what a rotten night for Real Madrid.
Substitution
at Arsenal
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90+1'One final change for Arsenal as Timber makes way for White.
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90+1'FOUR MINUTES OF ADDED TIME!!
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87'Carlo Ancelotti looks completely petrified on the sidelines.
Substitution
at Real Madrid
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85'Third change for Los Blancos. Rodrygo replaced by Brahim.
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84'Corner for Arsenal, but Courtois punches the ball away as Rodrygo then wins a free-kick.
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82'Rice has never scored a free-kick in his entire professional career - until tonight. And he did it in a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Crazy scenes.
Substitution
at Real Madrid
Substitution
at Arsenal
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80'The hero of the night, Declan Rice, is taken off after an apparent issue. Tierney is on to replace him as he is escorted off the pitch with cheers from everyone in the stadium.
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79'Second change for Real Madrid as Alaba is taken off for F. Garcia.
Goaaaaaal!
de Arsenal en el 75'
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Statistics of Mikel Merino in Champions League102
0.2310
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75'GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL MERINO MAKES IT 3-0!!!! WHAT IS GOING ON???? REAL MADRID ARE GETTING COMPLETELY OWNED HERE!!!! Great run from Rice, ball to Trossard, Partey and then Merino, who then lays it off to Merino and what a clean strike from the Spaniard. The Gunners are playing for fun now!
Substitution
at Arsenal
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74'Saka is replaced by Trossard. Looks to be a precautionary substitution after the Englishman's blow earlier.
Substitution
at Real Madrid
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71'Lucas Vazquez comes on for Real Madrid as Luka Modric is taken off.
Goaaaaaal!
de Arsenal en el 70'
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Statistics of Declan Rice in Champions League114
0.36220
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70'GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL DECLAN RICE DOES IT AGAIN FROM THE FREE-KICK!!!! UNBELIEVABLE SCENES AT THE EMIRATES!!! He goes again for the top right corner and, my oh my, Courtois could do nothing from there. 2 free-kicks, 2 stunners, 2-0 up, this is Rice's night and Arsenal are in dreamland!
Yellow card
a Real Madrid
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69'Mikel Merino is down in pain after a challenge from Camavinga, who is booked and will miss the second leg at the Bernabeu. Saka also look to have gotten a blow as Arsenal have a free-kick.
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67'How on earth did Courtois save those??? Incredible saves from the Belgian shot-stopper, first on Martinelli, then Alaba clears Merino's shot on the rebound off the line. The Spaniard tries again, but Courtois is still alive, and Arsenal are somehow still leading by only one goal. They do have a corner, though.
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63'Corner for Arsenal, but Saka's cross is straight at Courtois.
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60'Let's see if Real Madrid wake up now that they are trailing...
Goaaaaaal!
de Arsenal en el 58'
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Statistics of Declan Rice in Champions League114
0.36220
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58'GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL RICE FIRES ARSENAL IN FRONT WITH A STUNNING FREE-KICK!! Sweet, sweet strike from the English midfielder, who curled the ball around the Real Madrid wall to send it past Courtois. The Gunners lead by 1-0!
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57'Saka wins another promising free-kick after being brought down by Alaba. Could go directly for goal there.
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56'Partey tries to pick out Rice in the area, but the ball is slightly overhit, though, and that allows Asencio to come across; Rice stretches to meet the ball but can only kick it against Asencio and out for a throw-in.
Yellow card
a Arsenal
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54'First yellow of the game goes to Thomas Partey for his foul on Camavinga.
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51'Mbappe linking up with Bellingham again in attack, as the Frenchman is sent through by the Englishman, but the ball ends up going into the side netting. No threat for Raya.
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50'Much more composed start to the second period, as no team is rushing to get forward.
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47'No changes on either end, we go with the same 11s as kick-off!
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46'Underway for the second half!
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45+3'HT: Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid. The Gunners have been on the front foot against the 15-time Champions League winners in this first period, but their goalscoring struggles persisted as we remain goalless at the Emirates. Kylian Mbappe also had chances at the other hand, but the Frenchman was rather wasteful in front of goal.
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45'Two minutes of added time before we head into the break.
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44'Double save from Courtois! The Belgian first gets a hand on Rice's header, and he then keeps out Martinelli's attempt on the rebound. Big scare for Real Madrid here!
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41'Foul from Kiwior on Mbappe.
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40'Saka has looked dangerous the whole half, serving threatening crosses in the box. The only thing hampering him is the fact that there is no real centre forward to pass the ball to...
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39'Game has significantly slowed down in pace as we approach the half-time whislte.
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36'Vini is brought down by Timber in the middle of the park. The home fans roar in disapproval.
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35'Now Real Madrid are starting to rise - slowly.
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32'Los Blancos win a corner, but it is straight at Saka, who kicks it out for a throw-in.
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31'Mbappe with the clearest chance of the game so far! The 25-year-old was played through beautifully by Bellingham. The shot lacks whip, resulting in an easy enough save from Raya in the end.
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28'Arsenal hold the ball as they look to build with patience. Their spark looks to be slowly fading...
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25'Jurrien Timber was down momentarily after trying to challenge Mbappe, but the full-back is now up and good to continue.
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24'Mbappe with a big opportunity to fire the Merengues ahead, but it was offside! Could've been a massive blunder from Kiwior, who missplaces his pass for Partey. Vinicius collects the ball and sends the Frenchman towards goal, but he shoots the ball above the crossbar. Wouldn't have counted.
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22'Vinicius Jr tries the bend the ball in from just inside the box, but it is wide. Raya had his angles covered.
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21'Odegaard charges forward and goes down after a challenge from Camavinga, but the referee lets the play continue. The message is clear: keep on playing.
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20'Real Madrid are trying to slow down the pace of the game, while the Gunners look eager to win the ball back and get bodies forward.
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18'Arsenal are continuing with their strong start. But, as we know, Real Madrid could wake up at any moment...
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15'Penalty check for Arsenal due to Valverde's potential handball from Martinelli's cross but the game resumes after VAR intervention. No penalty!
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13'First real chance for Arsenal! Martinelli dangerously makes his way into the box before squaring the ball in the middle. A few blocks and the ball comes to Partey, who hits it from outside the box. Scruffy save from Courtois, but he manages to keep it out.
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12'Timber is brought down by Camavinga near the corner flag, but the referee gestures for the Dutchman to get up. No foul.
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10'Arsenal look better in these opening ten minutes, but Real Madrid still look dangerous on the counter.
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7'Real Madrid survive the scare from the corner! Saka's cross is headed on target, but Courtois keeps it out. The ball stays in the packed box, but it is then kicked away out of harm's way.
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7'Another corner for the hosts as the ball is pushed behind by Courtois.
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6'Almost a blunder from Real Madrid in defence! Saka's low cross looked easily manageable but Camavinga kicks it straight onto the back of Rudiger, who almost sent it into his own net. Corner for the Gunners.
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4'Odegaard goes for a low set-piece, but it is blocked and the visitors break into a counter-attack with Vini Jr. The Brazilian looked to pick out Mbappe in the middle of the box, but the ball gets a touch off Saliba, and it's easily collected by Raya in goal.
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3'Saka showing signs of life already as he wins a free-kick on the edge of the box after being fouled by Modric.
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2'Foul from Rodrygo on Lewis-Skelly in the middle of the park.
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1'Mbappe hits the first shot of the match as he attempts a strike from long range. Weak and straight shot, no problem for Courtois.
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1'Underway at the Emirates for Arsenal-Real Madrid!!
Start of match
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PRVWPlayers are out of the tunnel, here we go with the Champions League anthem!
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PRVWAll set at the Emirates as we have less than 15 minutes to go until kick-off!
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PRVWArsenal's bench: Neto, Setford, Tierney, White, Zinchenko, Trossard, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Nwaneri.
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PRVWReal Madrid's bench: Gonzalez, Mestre, Vazquez, Lorenzo, F. Garcia, Vallejo, Jacobo, Andres, Guler, Diaz, Endrick, G. Garcia.
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PRVWSo it is official! Bukayo Saka is back in Arsenal's starting lineup for the first time since December 21. He made appearances off the bench against Fulham and Everton, but this will be his first start in over three months. White is not even on the bench, while Timber returns at right-back.
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PRVWArsenal's starting XI (4-3-3): Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino.
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PRVWAlaba starts at left back as expected, with Modric and Camavinga partnering in midfield amid Tchouameni's absence due to suspension. Los Blancos will be hoping for the trio upfront - Rodrygo, Mbappe and Vinicius - to deliver the goals at the Emirates tonight.
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PRVWReal Madrid's starting XI (4-3-3): Courtois (GK); Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
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PRVWThe visitors have dropped their confirmed starting XI! Let's see what it is saying....
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PRVWReal Madrid's possible starting XI (4-3-3): Courtois (GK); Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
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PRVWArsenal's possible starting XI (4-3-3): Raya (GK); White, Saliba, Timber, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
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PRVWWith that all settled, here's how the two sides could lineup tonight at N5!
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PRVWAurelien Tchouameni is suspended, meaning Luka Modric could partner Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal remain sidelined with ACL injuries.
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PRVWDani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy lost out on the race against time to make their returns and will be eyeing making it for the second leg next week. Reports from Spain suggest David Alaba could start at left-back in the latter's absence.
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PRVW"I feel good. I suffered two muscle problems at the beginning of the season, nothing serious, we didn't want to risk it," the Belgian told reporters. "We'll have to ask the coach if I'll start, but I'm ready. I've been in the gym and on the pitch these days. I'm ready to play."
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PRVWAs for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti was handed a boost as Thibaut Courtois is tipped to return between the sticks after having missed his side's previous three outings due to a thigh injury.
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PRVWThere are no changes on the injury front, with the hosts without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Raheem Sterling is unavailable due to suspension.
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PRVWShould the Englishman be fit to start, he would occupy the right-back position while Timber would partner William Saliba in the heart of defence.
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PRVWWhite, who has missed much of the season through injury, started at the weekend against Everton and played 60 minutes in the draw against the Toffees, but appeared with protection on his left knee.
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PRVWJurrien Timber and Ben White are also set to be available for tonight's crunch after partaking in Monday's training session with the team.
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PRVWHis potential return is a big piece of positive news amid the big blow the north Londoners suffered last week, losing Gabriel for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury. Jakub Kiwior could line up alongside William Saliba at centre-back in the Brazilian's absence.
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PRVWThe 23-year-old hasn't appeared in Arsenal's starting line-up since December 21 at Crystal Palace. But Saka showed he has shaken off the rust by scoring in his first game back against Fulham last week and impressing in Saturday's draw at Everton.
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PRVWThe big news for tonight is that Bukayo Saka is in contention to start for the first time in over three months as Arsenal host Real Madrid tonight at the Emirates.
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PRVWWe can't think of criticism when we have a game every three days," he told reporters before adding: "We have analysed it and now it's time to prepare for this game well. It's 90 very important minutes, not decisive because there are another 90 at the Bernabeu."
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PRVWReal boss Ancelotti, on the other hand, has had to fend off the criticism after the Merengues' recent underwhelming performances.
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PRVWTonight's clash also represents a chance for the north London side to redeem themselves after they were beaten at the same stage of the Champions League last season by Bayern Munich.
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PRVWThe Champions League represents Arsenal's best chance of a trophy this season, with the Gunners 11 points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the Premier League.
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PRVW"That's why I came into football, and that's why I came into management and especially to this football club," the Spaniard said on the eve of the game. "It's been 20 years since we had this type of game, and for us, it's a great opportunity to build our own story, and this is what we're here for."
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PRVWDespite never being crowned European champions, Arteta believes that Arsenal can upset the 15-time winners, describing the upcoming showdown as "100 percent the biggest night of my career".
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PRVWBoth sides head into the fixture off the back of recent stumbles in their respective domestic leagues, with Arsenal drawing at Everton and Real Madrid losing out 2-1 at home to Valencia.
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PRVWOn the other hand, Real Madrid have had to endure a few scares after finishing off outside the top eight in the league phase and getting past Manchester City in the play-offs, but they managed to make it through the last 16 after edging out Atletico on penalties in the Madrid derby.
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PRVWThe Gunners have impressed in Europe so far, claiming third spot in the league phase to earn direct qualification into the round of 16 where they thumped PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate, to then seal their place into the quarter-finals.
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PRVWLast time out, Arsenal were victorious as they eliminated Los Blancos in the round of 16 after claiming a 0-1 win on aggregate, which came in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Who will claim advantage in the first leg this time round?
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PRVWIt's a massive night for us at N5 tonight as the two sides meet for the first time in the Champions League since 2006.
Pre-match
08 April 2025, 21:00
Referee: Irfan Peljto | VAR: Bastian Dankert
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
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PRVWHello everyone, and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the first-leg Champions League quarter-final showdown between Arsenal and Real Madrid, kick-off at 21:00 CET at the Emirates Stadium in London, England.
Mentioned in the news story
UCL
Arsenal
Real Madrid
