Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid
Arsenal has taken a major step toward the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over reigning champions Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
Manager Mikel Arteta brought Bukayo Saka back into the starting lineup after two consecutive appearances from the bench, while Jakub Kiwior partnered William Saliba in central defense.
Real Madrid, dealing with Ferland Mendy’s absence, deployed David Alaba at left-back and shifted Federico Valverde to the right-back position.
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The first half was largely uneventful, but the game sprang to life in the second period. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a stunning free-kick. The England midfielder doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 70th minute, once again beating Thibaut Courtois with another exquisite set-piece strike.
Just four minutes later, Mikel Merino added a third with a composed first-time finish from the edge of the area, putting the Gunners firmly in control.
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Real Madrid’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow when Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card late in the game, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side with a daunting task in the return leg.
Bayern Munich 1-2 Inter Milan
Inter Milan secured a narrow edge in their quarter-final tie with a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.
Harry Kane returned to Bayern’s starting XI after shaking off a knock, though the German side were without young star Jamal Musiala.
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The visitors nearly went ahead in the 26th minute when Michael Olise danced through the Inter defence and teed up Kane, who struck the post with only Yann Sommer to beat.
That missed opportunity proved costly, as Inter broke the deadlock seven minutes before halftime. Marcus Thuram produced a clever flick to find Lautaro Martinez, who finished clinically with his first touch.
Bayern found a late equalizer in the 84th minute through substitute Thomas Muller, but their joy was short-lived as Davide Frattesi restored Inter’s lead just four minutes later.
