Arsenal had a lead to defend going into the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal match against Spain. Although the Gunners had defeated Real Madrid 3-0 at home, they were aware that the game would not be straightforward given Los Blancos’ past performance in the league.
Declan Rice’s spectacular free-kick double at the Emirates gave Mikel Arteta a three-goal lead going into the match, and Mikel Merino added a third later in the home match. The idea of a miraculous comeback, or “Remontada” as it is known in Spanish, had been the focus of the media in the lead-up to the second leg, but there would be no comeback.
The Gunners actually appeared at ease throughout the evening and could even afford to miss a penalty before taking the lead thanks to a brilliant finish by Bukayo Saka in the 65th minute, which made up for his subpar Panenka. Vinicius Junior did score a consolation goal thanks to a mistake by William Saliba, but Gabriel Martinelli handed the Premier League team a 2-1 victory that evening (and a 5-1 triumph overall).
It wasn’t a stress-free game, though. Kylian Mbappe appeared to have won a penalty after Saka missed, but the referee and VAR ruled it out. Although they made it through those scares, Arteta will be annoyed by the drama that erupted with Thomas Partey in the 85th minute.
Declan Rice was incensed with his Arsenal teammate after Thomas Partey was suspended for the PSG home leg.
Arsenal won a free-kick just within the Real Madrid half with barely minutes remaining. Antonio Rudiger, who had already gotten into a fight with Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Partey foolishly got into a small altercation. In the knockout stage, the Ghanaian received his third yellow card. His first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain will now be missed.
Declan Rice, who also faced a suspension after one booking, was unable to conceal his rage. He had a stern conversation with the midfielder after dragging his teammate away from the action.
The Gunners will now be without their star midfielder in the first leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. This game will take place on 29 April at the Emirates, with the return fixture planned for 6 May.
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