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LONDON – Arsenal produced a Champions League masterclass at the Emirates on Tuesday night, dismantling Spanish giants Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the quarter-final. Declan Rice was the architect of destruction, curling in two sensational free-kicks as the Gunners took a massive step toward the semi-finals.
But the aftermath has been just as explosive off the pitch. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, in a candid post-match interview, directly blamed teammates Jude Bellingham and David Alaba for giving away the fouls that led to Rice’s strikes, calling them “unnecessary” and costly.
What Happened in the Match?
Arsenal’s dominance began with high pressing and quick transitions, catching the Madrid midfield off-guard. Their momentum paid off in the 21st minute when Bukayo Saka was fouled just outside the box by David Alaba. Declan Rice stepped up and curled a magnificent shot into the top corner, beyond Courtois’s outstretched gloves.
Not long after, Thomas Partey was brought down by Jude Bellingham in a dangerous position. Once again, Rice delivered, this time whipping the ball around a seven-man wall for his second of the night.
Mikel Merino later added a third with a cool finish following a counter-attack, capping off a near-perfect night for the North Londoners.
Courtois: “They Were Two Unnecessary Fouls”
Courtois didn’t mince words in his assessment of the match, placing part of the blame on Bellingham and Alaba for making avoidable errors.
“Declan Rice scored two great goals. They’re two unnecessary fouls. Maybe they shouldn’t be committed,” Courtois told Movistar+ after the game. “We lost control. There was no calm with the ball. I wouldn’t say it was panic, but it was nervousness.”
His remarks underline the pressure building within the Real Madrid camp after their underwhelming performance.
Wall Setup Under Fire
The Belgian shot-stopper also took partial responsibility for his own performance, especially his wall placement for the free-kicks.
“I thought I had set up the wall well. I even added one more man,” Courtois admitted. “But I didn’t expect so much curve. Maybe I could have added another. Every detail counts.”
Such admissions highlight the frustration in the Real camp, with the team now needing to overturn a three-goal deficit at home to stay in the Champions League hunt.
Arsenal’s Tactical Brilliance
Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta deserves credit for setting up a high-energy system that exposed Madrid’s vulnerabilities. The Gunners were compact in defense and lethal in attack, with Rice’s precision and Partey’s midfield control neutralizing Madrid’s rhythm.
Key points from Arsenal’s dominance:
- Pressing intensity overwhelmed Madrid’s midfield trio.
- Rice’s set-piece execution was world-class.
- Merino and Saka’s movement kept Madrid’s defense stretched.
What This Means for Real Madrid
With the second leg scheduled for April 16 at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid face an uphill battle.
Key takeaways:
- A 3-goal deficit is rare but not impossible to overcome at home.
- Madrid must fix defensive errors and re-establish midfield control.
- Carlo Ancelotti may need tactical changes and fresh faces in the starting XI.
Their upcoming La Liga clash against Alaves this Sunday will be a test of their mental strength ahead of the decisive return leg.
What This Means for Arsenal
The win not only boosts Arsenal’s confidence but also strengthens their campaign to reach their first UCL semi-final since 2009.
- Rice is proving his £100m tag was worth every penny.
- Saka and Martinelli’s chemistry is peaking at the right time.
- A clean sheet gives Arsenal a huge edge heading into the second leg.
Who Will Be Affected
- Thibaut Courtois: His leadership and communication will be under scrutiny as he navigates internal team dynamics and media attention.
- Jude Bellingham & David Alaba: Both will be under pressure to bounce back and prove their discipline and decision-making.
- Carlo Ancelotti: The veteran manager may face questions about squad rotation and tactical rigidity.
How to Take Action
For Real Madrid fans:
- Expect a charged Bernabéu atmosphere in the second leg.
- Watch for tactical adjustments—likely a more attacking formation.
- Follow updates closely as injuries or changes could affect the outcome.
For Arsenal fans:
- Celebrate a historic win—but don’t underestimate the return leg.
- Stay tuned to player fitness reports, especially for Partey and Rice.
- Expect a cautious yet aggressive approach from Arteta in Madrid.
Thibaut Courtois Blames Jude Bellingham for Costly Fouls in Arsenal Rout
The aftermath of Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid has sparked internal criticism from Thibaut Courtois, who pointed fingers at Jude Bellingham and David Alaba for giving away “unnecessary” fouls. With the return leg looming, Real Madrid must regroup fast if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Meanwhile, Arsenal have one foot in the semi-finals—but must guard against complacency.
Stay tuned for April 16—a night that promises high stakes, high drama, and potential history at the Bernabéu.
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