Forget Declan Rice, two Arsenal stars were an even bigger impact in Real Madrid thrashing

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal stunned the whole of Europe as they turned from underdogs into favourites in the space of 90 minutes against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

While it was a slow first half at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners very quickly turned the tie in their favour during the second half.

A Declan Rice brace from free-kicks were added to by Mikel Merino, giving Arsenal an unexpected 3-0 lead heading into the second leg in the following week.

With the Champions League semi-finals now within sight, plenty of plaudits have been directed in the way of Rice for his impact.

However, he wasn’t the only one to make an impact, with two other stars potentially outshining him in general play.

• READ MORE: Declan Rice stuns as one of two 10/10 performances in Arsenal player ratings vs Real Madrid

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka impressed during Arsenal vs Real Madrid

While Declan Rice had an impact with his two goals, he wasn’t the only one to stand out and make his mark on the match.

His Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both started a game for the first time in 2025 and their return certainly showed in the performance.

The duo were a consistent threat throughout the match, taking their defenders inside and outside at any given moment.

Saka won the free-kicks that ultimately allowed Rice to step up and smash his effort into the top corner twice.

Meanwhile, the winger’s threat with whipping crosses across the face was a clear problem for Real Madrid all night.

While many have questioned the right flank bias at Arsenal this season, the whole attack finally looks like a balanced whole.

Martinelli is back and finally at his best once again on the left flank, causing so many issues for Real Madrid.

Much like Saka, he continued to turn his defenders inside and out, whipping in some dangerous deliveries.

During the game, Martinelli even forced Rodrygo to track back and double up on him to nullify the threat.

It helped keep Real Madrid penned back, creating the pressure that proved irresistible in the end.

• READ MORE: What Cesc Fabregas really thinks about Andrea Berta as Arsenal transfer priority explained

Arsenal’s attack clicking at the right time in the Champions League

There are often questions over the forward line of Arsenal, with links to a striker transfer in the summer to help them add goals.

However, the Champions League seems to continually silence any critics when it comes to finishing off their chances.

Fresh off of scoring nine over two legs against PSV Eindhoven, the three strikes from Arsenal have been a real positive for the Real Madrid clash.

Goals from Rice and Mikel Merino, along with the threat of Saka and Martinelli, means the attack is truly starting to click.

Whether that can result in a longer run in the Champions League remains to be seen, but it has certainly given them a huge advantage.