Is Real Madrid out of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League after losing 3-0 to Arsenal?

Arsenal shocked the soccer world with a comfortable, 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Declan Rice stole the show with two free-kick goals, with Mikel Merino sealing the Gunners’ comprehensive win.

While this result puts the English side in a great position, the tie is far from over. Real Madrid are not eliminated from the Champions League yet, as they still have a second leg to host at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Merengue will welcome Arsenal to the Spanish capital on Wednesday, April 16, in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. The visitors will hold a 3-0 aggregate lead, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side will have at least 90 minutes to try and turn things around.

What do Real Madrid need vs. Arsenal to advance in the Champions League?

Real Madrid now need to beat Arsenal by at least three goals to keep their Champions League aspirations alive. The away goal rule no longer exists in the tournament, so a three-goal difference will be enough for Los Blancos, even if they concede.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks dejected after Mikel Merino of Arsenal (not pictured) scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match.

In the event the aggregate score is level at the end of regulation in the second leg, the tie will go to extra time. If the draw persists after the additional 30 minutes, the winner will be decided on penalties.

see also

Declan Rice scores two free-kick goals vs Real Madrid: Has any other player done so in the Champions League before?

Champions League bracket: Who will play Arsenal or Real Madrid in the semis?

The winner of the quarterfinal tie between Arsenal and Real Madrid will play Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Inter Milan beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the first leg to try and set up a meeting against Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund.