‘We were nowhere near it,’ Madrid’s Bellingham admits team was outclassed by Arsenal in champions league match

Declan Rice scored two stunning free kicks as Arsenal thrashed defending champions Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Rice broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a curling strike around the Madrid wall that left goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rooted.

Twelve minutes later, he delivered another set-piece masterpiece, this time finding the far top corner as Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos watched from the stands.

In a match reported by Al jazeera, Mikel Merino added Arsenal’s third in the 75th minute, putting the Gunners within touching distance of their first semifinal appearance since 2009.

Only a string of saves from Courtois spared Madrid further embarrassment.

“In the second half, we knew we had to score and to score three was a real positive,” Rice told Prime Sports. “We were really convinced we could come and win this game.”

Real Madrid’s best chances came from Kylian Mbappé, but the Frenchman was twice denied by Arsenal keeper David Raya.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti conceded that Arsenal’s quickfire goals stunned his side: “For 68 minutes, the game was level, then they hit two fantastic free kicks and the game changed.”

Midfielder Jude Bellingham was more blunt: “We were nowhere near it. Arsenal were really good… we were lucky to get away with three.”

The second leg takes place on April 16 at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.