Mikel Arteta's men pulled off possibly the biggest result in the history of the Emirates Stadium with a nearly faultless performance

Arsenal have one foot in the last four of the Champions League after thrashing holders Real Madrid 3-0 on Tuesday night. Two incredible free-kicks from Declan Rice plus a goal from Mikel Merino proved the difference on a thrilling night in north London which leaves Los Blancos needing another miracle to advance in the European Cup.

The hosts nearly found themselves in front inside only five minutes when Antonio Rudiger cleared a Bukayo Saka cross straight against Eduardo Camavinga, and the loose ball sailed only narrowly past Thibaut Courtois' post. There was then a lengthy VAR check for a handball against Raul Asencio when his arm blocked a shot from Rice, but this was dismissed after several minutes of close inspection.

Down the other end, Vinicius Junior flashed a shot from 20 yards wide, while Kylian Mbappe lashed an attempt over the top when Jakub Kiwior sold William Saliba short with a pass, though the ball to him from Real Madrid's No.7 was later flagged for offside.

Another chance came and went for Madrid when Jude Bellingham picked the lock of the Arsenal defence to find Mbappe, who shaped himself like Gunners legend Thierry Henry to shoot, but was thwarted by goalkeeper David Raya.

Saka lashed a low cross through the six-yard box without being able to find someone to prod it home, before Courtois had to make a double save to keep out a Merino header and Rice's rebound as the first half ended goalless.

On the other side of the break, Mbappe fired into the side-netting after a neat move had flowed through Rudiger and Jude Bellingham beforehand.

And then the Emirates Stadium came alive. Saka was felled outside the box by David Alaba, and from the resulting free-kick, Rice curled a belter around the wall and past Courtois into the net.

A hat-trick of chances in the same five-second sequence went begging for Arsenal as they sought to double their lead, with Courtois stopping one attempt from Gabriel Martinelli and two from Merino. Rice had a shot cleared off the line by Bellingham from the following corner.

But Rice was not to be denied seconds later. Another free-kick fell to his feet from a similar distance, and he found the top corner to send the home fans into delirium once more.

Arsenal weren't done there. The excellent Myles Lewis-Skelly got an assist for his efforts with a cutback for Merino, whose bobbled effort crept in at the near post and left the home supporters out of breath.

Madrid's night ended in further dismay when Camavinga was shown a second yellow card in added time as the Gunners' three-goal cushion heading to the Santiago Bernabeu next week was confirmed.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…

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David Raya (7/10):

Made the saves required to thwart Mbappe and the cherry on top was his presence in claiming crosses. Couldn't ask for more.

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Picked up a knock early doors but soldiered on. Most of Madrid's danger came down his flank, though that was not necessarily through any fault of the Dutchman's own.

William Saliba (8/10):

At his imperious best against the side he's been linked to over the last few weeks. Perhaps the downside of such an excellent display is those rumours will only intensify.

Jakub Kiwior (6/10):

Arsenal fans' fears were nearly realised in the first half when he made a string of errant passes to gift Madrid openings. Nevertheless, he sharpened up after the break and was more assured after the break.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (8/10):

It's hard to believe Lewis-Skelly was barely in the first-team frame until December. Madrid had no way of solving him, capable of moving inside and out, consistently getting the better of winger Rodrygo.

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Thomas Partey (6/10):

Broke up play and kept the ball moving. Kept his composure in that regard unlike in other games this season.

Declan Rice (10/10):

Wow. This is not just a performance that may well have already settled the tie, but one that will be talked about for years to come. One way to show off your free-kick skills is to hammer in two in front of the great Roberto Carlos.

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

Didn't quite demonstrate the game-breaking playmaking he may have hoped for against his former side, though at least knitted together Arsenal attacks and drew bodies with his movement and skill.

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Bukayo Saka (8/10):

What's remarkable is Saka could barely get to his highest gear, still showing signs of rustiness after injury and eventually being substituted with a knock. Had the ageing Alaba on strings and was unlucky not to get an assist given how easily he could carve Madrid open.

Mikel Merino (8/10):

A chance magnet who eventually got in on the scoring act with a well-taken finish. Maybe Arsenal don't need that big-name striker this summer after all, eh?

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

The odd one out in Arsenal's attack, providing only the illusion of threat with his pace and one-dimensional wizardry.

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Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Came on the bruised Saka for the final quarter of an hour.

Kieran Tierney (6/10):

Probably didn't envisage playing for Arsenal in a Champions League quarter-final this season. Subbed on for Rice.

Ben White (N/A):

Subbed on for Timber in added time.

Mikel Arteta (9/10):

An almost faultless gameplan came up trumps. Arsenal kept the match tight when they needed to and had the magic to make their moments in the final third count.