Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on the Arsenal supporters following their team’s remarkable 3-0 triumph over Champions League holders Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Tuesday night.
In a performance that stunned the football world, Arsenal dismantled Real Madrid with two sensational free-kicks from Declan Rice and a composed finish from Mikel Merino, securing a commanding victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Rice made history by becoming the first player to score two direct free-kicks in a knockout-stage match, cementing his place in Champions League folklore. While the players’ brilliance was undeniable, Rooney, speaking on Amazon Prime Video, was quick to acknowledge the role the Arsenal fans played in the team’s stunning display.
“Arsenal were excellent tonight. I think you have to give the crowd a lot of credit, I thought the atmosphere was fantastic, the crowd really pushed the team,” Rooney said, adding, “It could have been more, it could have been five or six!”
Rooney’s words highlighted how the passionate atmosphere at Emirates Stadium contributed to the Gunners’ dominant performance against one of Europe’s most formidable teams, showcasing the powerful effect a supportive crowd can have on a team’s success.
