Arsenal made it obvious from the first whistle blown at the Emirates Stadium that they had come to make a statement rather than just participate. Many expected a more experienced Real Madrid team would show their experience and pedigree, but the Gunners produced one of the most electrifying recent European shows.
The game started rather energetically. Arsenal pushed Madrid right from the start, hence not affording them a chance to settle. On the right wing, Bukayo Saka was a menace, evading defenders and drawing fouls. Just outside the box, one of those fouls resulted the first goal. Rice strode forward having never converted a free kick throughout his senior year. With power and precision, though, he slanted the ball past Courtois and into the net. The Emirates broke apart. 1-0 to Arsenal.
Madrid did every effort to react. Though the home team's defense held strong, they sought Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. to break across Arsenal's back. Whereas young Myles Lewis-Skelly provided maturity beyond his years, William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior were composed and assured. The midfield, under Rice and Ødegaard, dominated possession, slowing down Madrid's tempo and stopping their free kicks.
Saka got another foul in a nerve-wracking spot just before the half-time whistle. The gathering held their respiration. Could Rice repeat it? Certainly. Almost the same location, he lashed another brilliant free kick to the top corner. Two points of supreme quality from a player not noted for set-pieces. Arsenal were flying: 2-0.
Madrid was attempting to battle back in the second half. Though every strike was absorbed and turned away, Jude Bellingham had a few flashes of genius. The irritation displayed Madrid began to lose its form.
The last blow then arrived. Rice discovered Mikel Merino in room following a patient build-up in the 75th minute. Merino put the ball home coolly to give it 3-0. Madrid's players seemed shocked; the fans were bouncing and shouting.
Los Blancos' situation worsens still since Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the last minutes following a thoughtless tackle; he will now be absent in the second leg. That summed up Madrid’s night: frustrated, outplayed, and on the back foot.
Arsenal had outclass Madrid as the full-time whistle sounded; they had not only defeated them. Three goals, a clean sheet, and a dream performance from Declan Rice, who some outlets gave an exceptional 11 out of 10 rating. One foot in the semi-finals the Gunners head to the Santiago Bernabéu, but as is always the case with Madrid, nothing is over until it is over.
Even so, it was our world on this evening. And the football realm was listening.