Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Year : 2, Issue: 33
Agencies: A 3-0 defeat in a Champions League quarterfinal first leg would signal the end of the road for most clubs.
But Real Madrid are not most clubs. Last week in London, Los Blancos were battered by a confident and clinical Arsenal side that outplayed them in almost every aspect — from possession to precision.
Mikel Arteta’s men controlled the rhythm with 53.3% possession, 11 shots on target to Madrid’s three, and 125 passes in the final third compared to Madrid’s meager 80.
The Emirates witnessed a night to remember for the home fans.
Declan Rice whipped in two world-class free-kicks, and Mikel Merino added the third from close range, while Madrid’s only highlight came in the form of Thibaut Courtois, whose saves spared them from an even more humiliating scoreline. Heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu, Madrid are wounded — but never to be written off.
Because if there’s one thing the Champions League has taught over the years, it’s this: never bet against Real Madrid.
Their history is steeped in comebacks that defy logic, fueled by a mix of elite mentality, world-class quality, and sheer belief.