Champions League Quarterfinals: Stunning Results

On Tuesday, April 8, the first matches of the Champions League quarterfinals took place.

London's Arsenal triumphed at home against Real Madrid. English midfielder Declan Rice scored twice for the hosts. First, in the 58th minute, he executed a perfect free kick that curved under the bar, beating goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and ten minutes later, he scored again in a similar fashion. Mikel Merino also added to the scoreline.

Notably, Rice became the first player in the Champions League knockout stage to score two goals from free kicks.

Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko watched the match from the bench, while Real's goalkeeper Andriy Lunin missed the game due to an injury sustained in the Copa del Rey against Real Sociedad.

In another match of the day, Bayern Munich lost to Inter at the Allianz Arena. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the first half, and the Germans equalized with a strike from Thomas Müller in the 85th minute. However, just a minute later, Davide Frattesi sealed the win for Milan with a quick counterattack.

Champions League 2024/25
Quarterfinals, first leg, April 8

Arsenal (London) – Real (Madrid) 3:0 (0:0)

Goals: 1:0 – 58 Rice, 2:0 – 70 Rice, 3:0 – 75 Merino

Red Card: Camavinga 90+4 (second yellow)

Bayern (Munich) – Inter (Milan) 1:2 (0:1)

Goals: 0:1 – 38 Martinez, 1:1 – 85 Müller, 1:2 – 88 Frattesi

The return matches will be held in a week – April 16.

On Wednesday, April 9, two more quarterfinal matches will take place – PSG will host Aston Villa, and Barcelona will face Borussia Dortmund.