Arsenal beats Atletico Madrid to maintain perfect Champions League start

LONDON, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Arsenal produced a breathtaking 14-minute spell to score four goals and demolish Atletico Madrid, extending its flawless start to the league phase of the Champions League.

The Gunners began brightly, with Eberechi Eze striking the crossbar via a deflection early on, while Atletico's Julian Alvarez almost punished goalkeeper David Raya, who was caught off his line by a long-range effort.

The first half remained tight and tactical, with few clear chances for either side. That continued after the break until center-back Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, heading in Declan Rice's pinpoint free-kick.

That goal unleashed Arsenal's attacking fury. Myles Lewis-Skelly's driving run set up Gabriel Martinelli to curl home a superb second, before striker Viktor Gyokeres bundled in his first Arsenal goal in eight matches to make it 3-0.

Just three minutes later, the Swedish forward struck again, this time turning in Gabriel's knockdown from a dangerous corner to complete a stunning burst of four goals in just 14 minutes.

The emphatic victory means Arsenal has won all three of its opening Champions League fixtures without conceding a single goal. ■