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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ed Aarons at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid: Champions League player ratings from the Emirates Stadium

Declan Rice celebrates after a stunning performance for Arsenal
Declan Rice scored two unbelievable free-kicks in Arsenal’s stunning victory. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Arsenal (4-3-3)

David Raya Two early saves to deny Mbappé settled his nerves and was a spectator for most of the second half. 7/10

Jurriën Timber Always in the wars but another wholehearted performance that helped to keep Vinícius quiet. 8

Myles Lewis-Skelly A early drop of the shoulder showed the 18-year-old belongs at this level. Madrid couldn’t handle him stepping into midfield. 8

Jakub Kiwior A jittery start with a couple of mistakes that betrayed his nerves. But grew into the game and deserves lots of credit for stepping up. 7

William Saliba Blocked Partey’s goalbound header from corner at the other end but was typically classy with the way he dealt with compatriot Mbappé. 8

Thomas Partey Dominated in the first half and the former Atlético Madrid man provided the platform for Arsenal to play. 8

Martin Ødegaard Covered every blade of grass for the cause against his former club. A real captain’s performance. 8

Declan Rice At his harrying best throughout before channeling his inner Roberto Carlos to score with two unbelievable free-kicks. 9

Gabriel Martinelli Caused Valverde plenty of problems down the left flank and looks back to his best since returning from injury. 8

Mikel Merino Ever willing in makeshift centre-forward role and produced cutting edge that Arsenal craved with brilliant finish for his goal. 8

Bukayo Saka Outstanding performance on his first start since December. Madrid’s players will not be looking forward to facing him again next week. 9

Substitutions
Leandro Trossard
(for Saka, 73) Involved in Merino’s goal, 7; Kieran Tierney (for Rice, 80); Ben White (for Timber, 90).

Real Madrid (4-2-1-3)

Thibaut Courtois Magnificent double save to deny Rice and Martinelli but no chance with any of Arsenal’s goals. 7

Federico Valverde The Uruguayan looked uncomfortable playing out of position at right-back as Martinelli ran riot. 5

David Alaba Had his hands full with Saka and showed rustiness having not played much recently after injury. 5

Raúl Asencio Has been a real find for Madrid at the back this season, although this wasn’t his greatest night. 5

Antonio Rüdiger Not up to his usual high standards and he was caught napping by Merino for the crucial third goal. 6

Luka Modric The 39-year-old could not match Arsenal’s intensity almost 20 years since his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium. 6

Eduardo Camavinga Struggled to win his battle with Partey and sent off late on for a petulant second yellow after already being ruled out of the second leg. 5

Jude Bellingham Set up Mbappé with a sumptuous pass and then another clever flick. Made crucial goalline clearance from Rice. 7

Vinícius Júnior Was a real menace in first half but found Timber a testing opponent and faded badly in the second half. 6

Kylian Mbappé Seemed to have forgotten his shooting boots as he failed to take three big chances that fell his way. 6

Rodrygo The Brazilian was largely anonymous against Lewis-Skelly as Madrid were penned back in their own half. 5

Substitutions
Lucas Vázquez
(for Modric 71) Couldn’t stem tide, 6; Fran García (for Alaba 79) N/A; Brahim Díaz (for Rodrygo, 87) N/A.

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