Viktor Gyokeres brace powers Arsenal to dominant Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid
After an impressive performance in the first 45 minutes without getting on the scoreboard, Arsenal changed everything after the break when Gabriel took the lead and scored three goals in six minutes to sweep Diego Simeone.
Arsenal managed to get past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the 56th minute. Gabriel Martinelli’s strength and pace enabled Declan Rice to fire a devilish shot into the penalty area after Marcos Llorente fouled him from the left wing line. Gabriel raced towards goal unnoticed and nodded towards the net to give Arsenal a crucial lead.
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The Brazilian defender’s goal ended the deadlock after a frustrating first half in which Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to convert opportunities.
Martinelli finished second with a clinical finish
Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 63rd minute with a superb shot from the right, hitting the post before entering the goal and sending the Emirates Stadium into a frenzy. The goal showcased the Brazilian winger’s composure and technical ability as Arsenal took control of the match.
Gyokeres ended goal drought with quick-firing support
Viktor Gyokeres got back on the scoring track by scoring two consecutive goals. The Swedish striker scored the goal to make it 3-0 in the 66th minute, completing a brilliant team move that saw Arsenal dominate this phase of the match. After waiting seven games to score once, Gyokeres grabbed another just three minutes later. Set pieces proved fruitful again, with Rice firing another shot into the box that was met by Gabriel, and Gyokeres was forced to push the ball over the line from close range to add further salt to Atletico’s wounds with Arsenal’s third goal in six devastating minutes.
Arsenal maintain perfect home defensive record in Champions League
This victory made it three consecutive wins without conceding a goal in the Champions League for the first time since October 2007. Arsenal’s clean sheet extends their incredible record of keeping a clean sheet at home under Mikel Arteta’s watch in the league stage of the competition to nine games.
Coach Diego Simeone looked disappointed, unable to believe what happened in the second half. This was a nightmare for Atletico Madrid and there was no response from the Colchoneros.
Champions League standings and Arsenal’s place in the top eight
The result takes Arsenal to nine points from three games, with the other four points likely to be enough to secure a place in the last 16 in the spring. Arsenal are now in the driving seat to finish in the top eight of the league table and thus secure direct qualification to the last 16 for the third season in a row.
The victory was Arsenal’s 100th Champions League win, achieved in dominant style against one of Europe’s traditional powers.
Match statistics highlight Arsenal’s superiority
Arsenal controlled 54% of the ball and had six shots on target compared to Atletico Madrid’s zero shots on target. Arsenal attempted 14 shots in total, while holding Atletico to just seven tries.
Oblak made three saves for Atletico in a losing effort, while Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was not tested, needing to make a single save to keep the score clean.
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Arteta changed the squad, targeting the Premier League
The comprehensive victory allowed Mikel Arteta to call on the bench and give some players some breathing room ahead of Crystal Palace on Sunday. Arsenal are three points clear in the Premier League and have been ruthless, effective and solid throughout the season.
Arsenal have conceded just three goals and kept eight clean sheets in 11 matches in all competitions; This demonstrated the defensive solidity under Arteta.
Atletico Madrid trail league leaders Real Madrid by eight points in La Liga and the heavy defeat at the Emirates Stadium represents a significant setback to their Champions League ambitions this season.
