Declan Rice’s goals grabbed the headlines, but Arsenal’s win was built on Saka’s brilliance, writes DYLAN JOHNSON.
Arsenal are on the brink of a historic return to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 after a commanding 3-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. While Declan Rice’s brace from free kicks will dominate the headlines, it was Bukayo Saka’s brilliance that set the tone for the Gunners’ stunning performance.
The 23-year-old winger, making his first start since December after recovering from a hamstring injury, was simply unplayable. For 74 minutes, he tormented Real Madrid’s left side, exposing David Alaba time and again, and creating chance after chance that went begging. Saka may not have scored or assisted directly, but without his influence, this result would never have been possible.
From the first whistle, Saka looked sharp and confident, a far cry from a player who had spent nearly four months on the sidelines. His return transformed Arsenal’s attack into a dangerous, fluid force that Madrid simply couldn’t handle. The England international created two near-certain goals in the first half alone, delivering world-class balls across the face of goal. The only thing missing was a teammate to apply the finishing touch.
Cesc Fabregas: “I know that all the highlights will be on Declan Rice & rightly so, but for me, Bukayo Saka, a special mention, because in football, when you see special talent like that, to do what he did against Real Madrid, hats off to him!” [Amazon]
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 8, 2025
Rice’s two goals, both from dead-ball situations, came after Saka won dangerous free kicks in Madrid territory. In fact, Rice later revealed it was Saka who encouraged him to shoot directly, overriding the coaching staff’s call to cross. It’s a small moment that reflects the growing leadership and tactical awareness of a player who has become Arsenal’s go-to man in big moments.
Mikel Merino added a third, capitalizing on a midfield that was overwhelmed for most of the night. Eduardo Camavinga’s late red card summed up the frustration of a Real Madrid side that had no answers. Jude Bellingham was anonymous, and Madrid’s usually potent attack of Kylian Mbappe, Vinícius Jr, and Rodrygo was completely nullified by a disciplined Arsenal defense.
But even with the team’s collective effort, Saka was the difference-maker. He was the outlet in transition, the player defenders backed off from, and the one who gave Arsenal belief. In every match Saka has missed this season, Arsenal looked blunted in the final third. Without him, teams play with less fear. With him, defenders panic, space opens up, and Arsenal play with a freedom and threat that’s impossible to ignore.
Despite their domestic stumbles, mostly due to a mix of injuries and squad management, this performance against Madrid served as a reminder of just how good Arsenal can be at full strength. Saka’s absence had coincided with their drop in form in the Premier League title race. His return now feels like a mid-season signing, one that could reignite their European dreams.
When is Saka going to get his respect. Out for months and he’s not even in his best form but his base game still looks so effective in the business end.
His two way threat in the dribble in addition to his IQ and efficiency in the take on is so top tier.
If he wasn’t Arsenal.. pic.twitter.com/X2nhgYxINA
— Pythagoras In Boots ⚽️ (@pythaginboots) April 8, 2025
There was a moment of concern late in the match when Saka appeared to limp off the pitch, prompting fears of a recurrence of his previous injury. But Arteta downplayed any serious issue post-match, suggesting it was precautionary after such a long layoff.
It’s easy to praise Rice for his goals, or highlight the midfield dominance and defensive solidity that kept Madrid’s star-studded attack quiet, but none of it happens without Saka. He’s the one player who makes Arsenal truly dangerous.
Arsenal haven’t conceded three goals or more in a single match for over a year, that makes this 3-0 cushion feel even more significant going into the second leg at the Bernabéu. For Madrid to come back, they’ll need a performance that feels beyond their reach, and Arsenal will need to collapse in a way we haven’t seen under Arteta’s tenure.
The Gunners are dreaming again. But if they are to turn this into something more, a real run to the final, maybe even a shot at lifting Europe’s biggest trophy, they’ll need Bukayo Saka fit and firing. Last night proved it.
Photo: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images