Rice’s Heroics, Lewandowski’s Brace, and PSG’s Comeback Light Up a Thrilling UCL Quarter-Final Round.
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-final first legs expectedly delivered some thrilling encounters. Inter Milan achieved a notable away win, while Arsenal, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain capitalized on their home advantage and made it count taking big leads before going into the second leg on the road.
Players, like Declan Rice for Arsenal, Robert Lewandowski for Barcelona, especially did tremendous jobs in this leg. Both scored braces for their teams to help get a bigger lead in this leg. The second legs are set to commence a week later on April 15 and 16 (Tuesday and Wednesday).
Inter Milan secured a crucial 2-1 away win against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring early for Inter, exploiting Bayern’s defensive vulnerabilities. Thomas Muller, who’s leaving the club soon, came off the bench in the 74th minute. He managed to equalize in the 85th minute.
However, Inter responded swiftly, with Davide Frattesi netting the decisive goal just three minutes later. Bayern’s coach Vincent Kompany and forward Harry Kane acknowledged the challenges following the match. However, they are optimistic about overturning the deficit in the return leg at San Siro.
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Real Madrid. Midfielder Declan Rice was the standout performer. He scored two exceptional free-kicks in the second half which was his first direct free-kick goals in 328 professional appearances. Mikel Merino added a third goal for the Gunners, solidifying their dominance.
Also Read: Key Takeaways from Arsenal vs. Real Madrid UCL Quarter-finals Leg 1
The situation worsened for Real Madrid as Eduardo Camavinga received a stoppage-time red card. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the team’s performance following the match. He highlighted Rice’s ‘moment of magic’. Meanwhile Carlo Ancelotti admitted the comeback chances were slim but still possible.
Barcelona asserted their dominance with a resounding 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at home. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 25th minute and Dortmund held Barca to that one goal till the end of the first half.
Also Read: Barcelona’s Commanding 4-0 Win Against Borussia Dortmund: Three Key Takeaways
In the second half, Robert Lewandowski netted a brace, before Lamine Yamal sealed the big win with a strike in the 77th minute. The emphatic result brings Barcelona closer to their first Champions League semi-final appearance in six years.
Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Parc des Princes. Morgan Rogers gave Villa the lead in the 35th minute with a counter-attack goal. PSG didn’t waste any time though, responding quickly through 19-year-old Desire Doue.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then put the hosts ahead early in the second half. They didn’t stop there as Nuno Mendes added a brilliant solo effort in stoppage time. Now PSG have a two-goal cushion going into the second leg. Luis Enrique praised the team’s attacking intent, while Unai Emery stressed that the tie is still open.
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