Arsenal policy: 3-0 to Madrid and the Arbitrators at the Punto de Mira

Last night’s match, April 8, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium in London, was a real setback for Real Madrid, which lost 3-0 to an Arsenal that showed an impressive domain. This result leaves the current Champions League champion in a rather difficult situation facing the match back in the Santiago Bernabéu.

Alignments

Arsenal (4-3-3):

• Titles: David Raya; Jurrien Timber (Ben White, min. 91), William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Thomas Partey, Declan Rice (Kieran Tierney, min. 80), Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka (Leandro Trossard, min. 74), Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino.
• Coach: Mikel Arteta.
• Notes: The Arsenal arrived with several major casualties, such as Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, which forced Arteta to improvise with Mikel Merino as false nine. Lewis-Skelly, a young side, played a leading role.

Real Madrid (4-3-3):

• Titles: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba (Fran García, min. 79); Luka Modric (Lucas Vázquez, min. 71), Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes (Brahim Díaz, min. 85), Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé.
• Supplements: Fran González, Mestre, Arda Güler, Endrick, Vallejo, Gonzalo, Jacobo, Chema, Lorenzo.
• Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
• Notes: Ancelotti surprised by placing Valverde and Alaba as sides, a tactical decision to reinforce the positional and defensive game against the casualties of Dani Carvajal, Eder Militão and Ferland Mendy. Tchouaméni was also sanctioned, limiting defensive options.

Political Parties

1. Expulsion of Eduardo Camavinga:
   In the 93rd minute, Camavinga was expelled after receiving a second yellow card for a gesture of frustration by removing the ball. This means that the party will be lost back, which is a hard blow for Real Madrid, since French is fundamental in the midfield. Some fans and analysts think that the second yellow was a bit harsh, while others believe that the referee, Irfan Peljto, known for his high media of cards (4 per game), acted correctly.
2. Possible Hand of Raúl Asencio:
   The VAR reviewed a move by a possible hand of Asencio in the area, but in the end it did not ask for criminality. According to the analysis of Iturralde González in Carrusel Deportivo, the hand was not sanctionable, since there was no clear intention or directly affecting a dangerous move. However, some Arsenal fans on social networks expressed their discontent, arguing that the VAR criterion was inconsistent.
3. Labs that Propitiated the Goles of Rice:
   The two faults that led to the impressive goals of Declan Rice have generated enough discussion. The first, which Alaba committed about Saka, received criticism from Courtois, who mentioned that he should have put a man on the barrier. The second fault, which could also have been avoided, was a tactical error of Real Madrid, which did not follow the instructions of avoiding faults near the area.

MVP of the Party

Declan Rice was, without a doubt, the most outstanding player in the game. The English midfielder managed to score two stunning free-fire goals, something he had never gotten in his career, despite having played more than 300 games without doing so. In addition, he was very involved in the third goal play, attending the combination that ended Mikel Merino. His leadership, precision and ability to shine in the crucial moments made him the true hero of the night for the Arsenal.

Scores of Players

Arsenal:

• David Raya (8/10): Insurance under sticks, stopped a key hand of Mbappé in the first part.
• Jurrien Timber (7/10): Solid in defense, he retired in 91 by Ben White.
• William Saliba (8/10): Impeccable in court, neutralized Vinicius on several occasions.
• Jakub Kiwior (7.5/10): He served as a substitute for Gabriel Magalhaes, without notable errors.
• Myles Lewis-Skelly (8/10): The young side highlighted with a support for the goal of Merino and showed personality.
• Thomas Partey (7/10): He brought balance in the midfield, although he saw a yellow one.
• Declan Rice (9.5/10): Two goals of lack, assistance and leadership. The best of the game.
• Martin Odegaard (8/10): Great game vision, key in the creation of danger.
• Bukayo Saka (7.5/10): It generated constant danger by the right band, although it did not mark.
• Gabriel Martinelli (7/10): Active, but lacked precision in the last touch.
• Mikel Merino (8.5/10): He scored the third goal and adapted well to his role as false nine.

Real Madrid:

• Thibaut Courtois (8/10): He avoided a larger goleada with several spectacular stops, including a triple occasion of the Arsenal. He couldn’t do anything on the goals.
• Federico Valverde (6/10): Out of position as a side, he suffered defensively, although he carried out a balloon.
• Raúl Asencio (6.5/10): The Canteran showed personality, but had problems in the brand.
• Antonio Rüdiger (6/10): He tried to lead the defense, but the team broke down in the second part.
• David Alaba (5.5/10): The lack of Rice’s first goal began and suffered on the left side. Replaced by Fran García.
• Luka Modric (6/10): He offered criterion in the first part, but he diluted after the rest. Replaced by Lucas Vázquez.
• Eduardo Camavinga (5/10): Irregular, committed unnecessary faults and was expelled in 93.
• Jude Bellingham (6.5/10): It generated the best chance of Madrid with a pass to Mbappé, but could not lead the team.
• Rodrygo Goes (5/10): Disappeared, without incident in the attack. Substituted by Brahim Díaz.
• Vinicius Jr. (5/10): He failed key passes and could not overflow as usual.
• Kylian Mbappé (6/10): He had a hand-in-hand hand that failed in front of Raya, but he was not fine in the definition.

Technical and Tactical Analysis

Arsenal:

• Planning: Mikel Arteta bet for a 4-3-3 with high pressure and ball domain. The absence of a pure front center led Merino to act as false nine, which allowed Arsenal to generate numerical superiority in the midfield. High pressure intensity was key to drowning Real Madrid, especially in the second part.
• Strengths:
  • The two goals of Rice came from direct faults, a weapon that the Arsenal exploited perfectly thanks to the work of his strategist, Nicolas Jover.
  • Quick transitions: Saka and Martinelli generated constant danger by the bands, while Odegaard and Rice connected accurately in the center.
  • Defensive solidity: Saliba and Kiwior neutralized the offensive trident of Madrid, which hardly created danger.
• Weaknesses: The Arsenal had problems in the first part, despite generating several clear occasions. The lack of a nine cigars was noticed at some time.

Real Madrid:

• Planning: Ancelotti opted for a 4-3-3 with Valverde and Alaba as improvised sideways, seeking defensive solidity and balloon exit. However, the team showed an alarming lack of cohesion, especially in part two.
• Strengths:
  • Courtois: The Belgian goalkeeper was the best in Madrid, avoiding a major goal with key stops.
  • Individual sparks: Bellingham and Mbappé generated the few occasions of the team, but without success.
• Weakness:
  • Lack of defensive order: Madrid gave unnecessary faults near the area, something that Rice masterfully exploited. The defense, with improvised sides, suffered at the Arsenal speed.
  • The team depended on individual actions and did not show a clear plan to attack or defend. The second part was an authentic shipwreck.
  • Passive attitude: The fronts, especially Vinicius and Rodrygo, showed no intensity or defensive commitment, something Ancelotti and analysts harshly criticized.

Comparative:
The Arsenal was superior in the physical, technical and tactical. It dominated possession (approximately 60%-40%) and generated more hazards (15 shots, 6 by door, 5 shots and 2 by door of Madrid). Madrid showed a worrying lack of ideas and attitude, something that has been repeated throughout the season.

Golazos de Declan Rice

1. First Gol (Minute 58):
   Alaba committed a fault over Saka right on the border of the area. Rice took care of the lack with an impressive launch, full of effect, that passed over the barrier and hung over the Courtois stick. The Belgian goalkeeper, despite his effort to stretch, could do nothing. It was a powerful and well-placed shot, many described as “imparable.”
2. Second Gol (Minute 70):
   Another fault, this time from further, gave Rice the opportunity to shine again. On this occasion, he decided to switch sideways and launched a direct missile to the porter squad. The ball came in very tightly, a scoop that made the Emirates burst with joy. Analysts pointed out that, although a goal from that position could be considered a porter error, the precision and the power of the shot made it completely unattainable.

Both goals were a reflection of the Arsenal’s work in play with a paradox ball and the quality of Rice, who had never marked a direct lack in his career until this game.

Post-Partido statements

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal Trainer):

• “We have shown determination, confidence and team spirit. But there’s one more game left, and we know the rival we’ve got across the street. We’ll go to Bernabéu to dominate the game and be ourselves. We’ve got to raise the list now. “
• Arteta highlighted the importance of maintaining humility and concentration in the face of the return, aware of the capacity of Madrid to go back to its stadium.

Declan Rice (Arsenal MVP):

• “I’m very happy. I’m in a hairy streak and in an unusual position in my career. The last days we have had many situations of lack on the edge of the area, and there was always something wrong. Today, two fouls, two goggles. It was a magical night. “
• On her second goal: “I was going to focus, but I saw the barrier and the doorman and went after her.”

Mikel Merino:

• “I am in an unusual position, but I am getting used to it. The first thing I thought when they told me I’d play nine was, ‘go madness’. I’ve never played there, but I’ve tried to adapt my features to this role. Playing against Madrid at Bernabéu, everything can happen. Keep your feet on the ground. “

Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid Coach):

• “There is no doubt that I am responsible. For an hour the team was fine, but then we paid off the two goals by standing ball. The team fell mentally and physically. The last 30 minutes were very bad. You have to be self-critical to try to get back. “
• On the back: “The possibilities are few, but we have to try. We have a chance to react and we have to see if we are capable. “
• Ancelotti took the blame for the poor placement of the barrier in Rice’s first goal, but also noted the lack of collective reaction of the team.

Thibaut Courtois (Portero del Real Madrid):

• “In the first part we stand well, but in the second we forget to play football. We weren’t calm with the ball. Rice put in two goggles of fault, and the third rowed us. It’s hard, but we know we’re strong at home with our people. We have to correct the bugs and try to put one or two goals fast. I think it’s possible. “
• Courtois also admitted that he could have placed one more man on the barrier in Rice’s first goal.

Raúl Asencio (Defensa del Real Madrid):

• “It’s been a complicated game, we haven’t been 100%. There’s a lot of room for improvement. We’re pissed because it’s not what we expected, but confident of turning it around. We are the Real Madrid.”

Álvaro Benito (Explayer and Analyst):

• “I believe in dating, believing is free. Real Madrid can win perfectly 3-0 to Arsenal, but they have to do things a million times better than they have. “

Reactions in Social Media and World Sports Press

Social networks:

• In X, the general feeling was of surprise and admiration for the Arsenal. Users highlighted the goals of Rice, with comments such as “Declan Rice dressed in Beckham” or “Two impossible missiles for Courtois”.
• Real Madrid fans showed frustration, criticizing the team’s lack of attitude. A user (@juanfmora) wrote: “Goleado un Real Madrid que no compareció ante un Arsenal efectiva con los goles de Rice. Low level and nulo style game of the white picture. “
• There were also memes about the Madrid crisis, with phrases like “El Madrid is defending fatal this year” and criticism of Ancelotti for his tactical approach.

World Sports Press:

• AS (Spain): “Paupérrimo second time in Madrid in which he fit the three goals and that Courtois again became the best. There’s already a call to the epic at Bernabéu.” The media highlighted the collective problems of Madrid and the lack of reaction after the goals.
• Marca (Spain): “Declan Rice leaves Real Madrid dead in Champions with guns. Real Madrid terrible, flat, no ideas, no plan, no game. “
• The Country (Spain): “Declan Rice, installed at that time of life that we all dream of children, released two missiles to the squad so demolishing that he beat Courtois after one of the most crazy performances of the Belgian goalkeeper.”
• The Guardian (United Kingdom): “Arsenal’s Declan Rice stuns Real Madrid with two sensational free-kicks in a 3-0 rout. Mikel Arteta’s side outclassed the European champions in every department.”
• L’Équipe (France): “Le Real Madrid humilié à London. Declan Rice et Mikel Merino ont fait plier un champion d’Europe méconnaissable.” The French newspaper highlighted the tactical superiority of the Arsenal and the lack of response from Madrid.
• ESPN (International): “Arsenal dances and humiliates Real Madrid, leaving it with foot and a half outside the Champions League. Rice was the hero. “
• 20 Minutes (Spain): “Catástrofe del Real Madrid ante un Arsenal muy superior. The Emirates witnessed last night the collapse of the king of Europe. “
• Covers: Many covers in Spain used terms like “Hummed” or “Toccadísimos” to describe the defeat of Madrid, while in England the “baile” of the Arsenal was celebrated.

Expectations for the Party of Return and Possible Remounted

Current Situation:
Real Madrid needs to win at least 3-0 in Santiago Bernabéu on 16 April to force the extension, or for more goals of difference to qualify directly. The absence of Camavinga by sanction further complicates things, and the defensive casualties (Carvajal, Militão, Mendy) remain a problem.

Factors for the Real Madrid:

• The Bernabéu Mysticism: Madrid has a history of epic dating back to its stadium, such as those of 2022 against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City. Players and coach appealed to the hobby to create a “hot” that pushed the team.
• Individual Capacity: Despite the bad game, players like Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinicius have the quality to change a match at any time.
• Experience: Madrid is a tanned team in Champions, and Ancelotti has managed complicated situations in the past.

Factors against:

• Lack of Collective Game: As AS pointed out, “if it’s for the game, no one can trust Madrid.” The team has shown structural problems throughout the season, with a fragile defense and a front that does not contribute to defensive tasks.
• Arsenal Solidity: The Gunners proved to be a complete team, with intensity, organization and quality. Arteta has already anticipated that they will go to Bernabéu to “doubt the game”, which suggests they will not be locked back.
• Key Bajas: Without Camavinga and with a deserved defense, Madrid will have to improvise again.

Views of Experts:

• Álvaro Benito: “The Real Madrid can win perfectly for 3-0 to the Arsenal, but they have to do things a million times better.”
• Ancelotti: “It’s complicated, but if there’s a team in the world that can turn this around, it’s us, at our stadium, with our hobby.”
• Courtois: “We know that at home we are strong with our people. We have to put one or two goals fast. I think it’s possible. “
• Arteta: “We know the rival we have in front of us. We have to climb the band now and play with the same spirit as today.”

Analysis:
The backtrack seems quite difficult, considering the level of game that Real Madrid is showing at this time. The Arsenal not only took victory, but also dominated all aspects of the party, and its strategy was clearly superior. However, the Bernabéu and the rich history of Madrid in the Champions League make there always a sense of hope for a miracle. To achieve this, Madrid will need a radical change in its attitude, a more solid tactical plan and that its stars shine as ever.

Conclusion

The Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid was a real demonstration of strength on the part of the Gunners, with a Declan Rice shining and a Mikel Merino who knew how to be right now. On the other hand, Madrid was unrecognizable, facing tactical problems, a lack of attitude and defensive errors that cost them expensive. The elimination seems to be very in favor of the Arsenal, but Madrid clings to the magic of Bernabéu, trying to get back that, at this time, feels more like a dream than a real possibility. On April 16 it will be a crucial day to see if the champion can rise again or if the Arsenal reaffirms his candidacy for the title.