Caleb Adeleye

• Post By Caleb Adeleye
• 3 days ago

What a night at the Emirates! North London became the epicenter of footballing excellence as Arsenal handed Real Madrid a royal thrashing in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals. Three goals. Zero replies. All vibes.

And guess who ran the show? None other than **Declan “The General” Rice**, who decided tonight was the perfect moment to channel his inner Frank Lampard. Two thunderous goals — one a piledriver from outside the box that left Courtois questioning life choices, and the other a calm, collected finish after Madrid’s defence parted like the Red Sea.

Madrid’s midfield, stacked with Ballon d'Or winners and galáctico dreams, got completely overrun by a man who used to boss games on rainy nights in Stoke. Tonight, he bossed the greatest club in Europe. Twice. Declan Rice, take a bow — and then take their midfield with you as a souvenir.

And just when Madrid thought they’d catch a breather, in came Mikel Merino with the dagger. The Spanish midfielder (yes, Spanish, the irony!) ghosted into the box and slotted home the third, adding a little spicy Iberian flair to Arsenal’s English roast. That goal? The icing on a very delicious cake — baked, served, and devoured in North London.

Real Madrid? More like Real Mid-table tonight. Bellingham was anonymous. Vinicius tried a few samba moves, but Ben White wasn’t having it. And poor Toni Kroos looked like he aged five years in 90 minutes. Every time Madrid tried to build something, Arsenal tore it down like a wrecking ball in red and white.

The Emirates was bouncing. You’d think we’d just won the final — and honestly, this felt like one. A performance of control, class, and cojones. This wasn’t a smash-and-grab. It was a masterclass. A three-goal love letter to football. And a not-so-gentle reminder that Arsenal are not just back — we’re writing history.

To Madridistas: you’ve got 14 Champions League titles — but tonight, you got schooled by a club with a plan, a spirit, and a manager who wears that touchline like a runway.

Unforgettable night. Unforgettable performance.And we’re not done yet.

See you at the Bernabéu. Bring tissues along.

Up the Arsenal!