The Emirates Stadium erupted into pure pandemonium last night as Arsenal delivered a jaw-dropping 3-0 thrashing to defending champions Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League clash that left fans buzzing and pundits scrambling for superlatives.
Among the jubilant voices ringing out was Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu, whose infectious grin and celebratory antics lit up social media after the match.
The match itself was explosive, tense and a brilliant show. The first half saw both teams trade blows like heavyweight boxers, with neither finding the knockout punch.
Arsenal’s towering defender William Saliba stood firm, snuffing out early threats from Real Madrid’s star-studded attack, while Kylian Mbappé forced a sharp save from David Raya.
Thomas Partey and Declan Rice tested Real’s resolve with long-range efforts, but the scoreline remained stubbornly locked at 0-0 as the whistle blew for halftime.
Then came the second half, and oh, what a half it was. Arsenal emerged like a team possessed, and it was Declan Rice who ignited the Emirates with a moment of sheer magic.
Just before the hour mark, the midfielder lined up a free-kick and unleashed a curling rocket that soared past Thibaut Courtois and into the net. The crowd roared; the bench erupted.
Minutes later, Rice doubled the delight. Another free-kick, another stunner. This time, he whipped the ball into the top corner, leaving Courtois grasping at thin air and the Emirates shaking to its core.
Two goals from set pieces in quick succession, Real Madrid’s defense, usually so impenetrable, was unraveling before our eyes.
The final nail in the coffin came courtesy of Mikel Merino. With the clock ticking down, young star Myles Lewis-Skelly delivered a pinpoint assist, and Merino slammed the ball home with clinical precision. 3-0. Game over.
Real Madrid’s night went from bad to worse in the dying seconds when Eduardo Camavinga, frustrated and out of answers, kicked the ball away after a whistle, earning a second yellow card and a suspension for the second leg.
For Arsenal, this wasn’t just a victory, it was a demolition. The Gunners’ complete performance has flipped the tie on its head, giving them a commanding lead as they head to the Santiago Bernabeu next week. Real Madrid, the kings of European football, now face an uphill battle to keep their title defense alive.
In a video shared on Instagram by Pooja, the former Arsenal striker couldn’t contain his glee.
Beaming at the camera, Kanu crossed his arms with swagger before letting out an enthusiastic “Let’s go!”—a rallying cry that echoed the sentiments of Gunners fans worldwide.
For Kanu, who although wasn’t donning Arsenal’s red and white during the club’s golden era, this was more than just a win, it was a statement.
Will Real Madrid bounce back in the second leg? Can Arsenal hold their nerve on enemy turf? One thing’s for sure: this Champions League saga is far from over, and the football world won’t be looking away anytime soon.
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