Champions League First-Leg Drama: Arsenal Stun Real Madrid, Barcelona Run Riot, and More
The UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg matches played on the 9th and 10th of April 2025 delivered remarkable results, packed with surprises and high drama.
The biggest shock of the round came at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal produced a stunning 3–0 victory over the reigning champions and 15-time European Cup winners Real Madrid. Declan Rice was the star of the show, scoring two sublime free-kicks to give the Gunners a commanding lead. The third goal came courtesy of Spanish international Mikel Merino, who added gloss to an already sensational night for the North London club. The scale of Arsenal's triumph stunned fans and pundits alike, especially given Real Madrid’s unrivaled pedigree in European competitions.
Elsewhere, Barcelona delivered a dominant performance at home, thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4–0. Raphinha opened the scoring before a brace from Robert Lewandowski put the Catalans firmly in control. Teen sensation Lamine Yamal added a fourth to round off a clinical display from Xavi’s side.
In Munich, Inter Milan secured an impressive 2–1 away win over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Lautaro Martínez gave the visitors the lead, and Davide Frattesi doubled their advantage before Bayern pulled one back through club icon Thomas Müller. Despite the defeat, Bayern will hope to turn things around in the second leg.
The final first-leg tie saw Paris Saint-Germain take a strong step toward the semi-finals with a 3–1 win over Aston Villa at the Parc des Princes. PSG’s goals came from Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Nuno Mendes, while Villa managed to grab an away goal to keep their hopes alive heading into the return leg.
The second legs of all four ties will be played next week on the 15th and 16th of April, promising even more drama as teams battle for a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
