Arsenal Secures 3-0 Victory Over Real Madrid, Advances to Semi-Final

Arsenal's commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg has put them in a strong position, but they face a daunting challenge in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Manager Mikel Arteta emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence and not underestimating Real Madrid, a team known for their resilience in high-stakes matches. Players like Thomas Partey and Jakub Kiwior acknowledged the need for calm and boldness to secure their place in the semi-finals, as past comebacks by Madrid loom large in their minds. Following the Real Madrid match, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brentford, with Arteta noting a different atmosphere and intensity from the crowd, which affected the players' performance. He praised Declan Rice's impact in both matches, highlighting his contributions to the team's attacking play. Despite the disappointing draw, Arteta remains focused on preparing for the crucial second leg against Madrid.