A complete performance from the Gunners saw them beat Real Madrid 3-0 and take a big advantage into the second leg next week.
After a first-half in which neither team found the back of the net, Declan Rice scored successive free-Kick to help Arsenal race into a two-goal lead in the second-half before Mikel Merino closed the scoring.
The match started at a frenetic pace, with Arsenal needing to do some early defensive work, as William Saliba soared the host blushes in the opening exchanges.
As the match intensified, both teams created scoring opportunities. Declan Rice and Partey both had speculative attempts blocked and on the other hand, Kylian Mbappe drew a save from David Raya. Otherwise, the first half was uneventful. The second-half, however, was full of it.
The first goal of the game came just before the hour mark, when Rice scored a breathtaking free-kick, curling the ball around the wall and into the net.
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The Gunners set piece coach Nicolas Jover, was clipped gesturing to Rice to curl his attempt around the wall, underscoring Arsenal’s level of preparation for set plays.
Rice doubled his tally just before halftime with another breathtaking free-kick attempt that sailed past Courtois and into the top corner.
The momentum remained with Arsenal, and Mikel Merino sealed the win with a clinical finish, assisted by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Real Madrid’s woes deepened when Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card for kicking the ball out in the final seconds, earning himself a suspension.
