Arsenal’s Magic Strikes Twice as Men’s and Women’s Teams Dominate Real Madrid at Emirates

London, April 2025 — A rare footballing coincidence unfolded at the Emirates Stadium this week as both Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams defeated Real Madrid with strikingly similar results in their respective UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Both matches ended in emphatic victories for the Gunners, played at the same venue — the Emirates — and with eerily identical details.

In both fixtures:

• The final scoreline was a comprehensive win for Arsenal over Real Madrid.
• An English player whose surname begins with the letter “R” and was signed in the summer of 2023 scored a brace — Declan Rice for the men’s side and Alessia Russo for the women.
• A Spanish international added a goal for Arsenal — Mikel Merino for the men and Mariona Caldentey for the women.
• All goals in both games were scored in the second half and into the same end of the stadium.

The double triumph has added a sense of mystique and excitement to the Emirates, where fans witnessed a week of synchronised dominance by both squads on Europe’s biggest stage.

Players in the Spotlight

Declan Rice

• Signed from West Ham United in 2023 for a club-record fee.
• Key midfield presence for Mikel Arteta’s side.
• Scored twice in Arsenal’s UCL quarter-final match against Real Madrid.

Alessia Russo

• Joined Arsenal Women from Manchester United in July 2023.
• A rising star in English football and vital part of England’s national team.
• Scored a brace in the women’s UCL quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.

Mikel Merino

• Spanish midfielder who brought experience and technical prowess to Arsenal’s midfield.
• Previously played in La Liga with Real Sociedad.

Mariona Caldentey

• Versatile Spanish forward and recent signing for Arsenal Women.
• Known for her creativity and ability to score in key moments.