Declan Rice Makes Champions League History with Free Kick Double Against Real Madrid
- Arsenal recorded an emphatic win against Real Madrid thanks to two stunning free-kick goals from Declan Rice
- Rice, who had not scored from a dead-ball situation up until the game vs Madrid, scored twice to give the Gunners a 3-0 win
- His overall performance won him praise across the board as fans hailed him for shining against the 'kings' of Europe
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice etched his name into Champions League history with a remarkable brace of free kicks during the Gunners’ stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
While the Englishman was already known for his precision on set pieces—mainly from corners or delivering crosses—few expected him to deliver such a direct and devastating impact from dead-ball situations.
Source: Getty Images
The Gunners dominated proceedings under the lights in North London, with Mikel Arteta’s side taking the game to the reigning European champions from the outset.
Rice, who had never scored a direct free kick in his senior career before, opened the floodgates early in the second half.
After Bukayo Saka won a foul 25.9 meters from goal, Rice defied set-piece coach Nicolas Jover's original plan to cross and instead curled a sublime effort around the wall into the net.
A record-breaking night for Arsenal’s midfield general
Just minutes later, the England international did it again — this time from over 30 yards on the opposite side of the pitch. With calm composure and perfect technique, Rice smashed a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois helpless once more.
In doing so, the £105 million man joined an elite group of players to have scored multiple free kicks in a single Champions League match, alongside icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Rivaldo, and Hakim Ziyech.
Rice’s historic performance provided the perfect platform for Arsenal to extend their advantage, with Mikel Merino adding a third goal after latching onto an assist from 17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Gunners tallied 11 shots on target — matching the most ever recorded against Real Madrid in a Champions League knockout game, a record previously held by Liverpool in 2009.
Rice Reflects on ‘Special’ Night as Arsenal Eye Semis
After the match, a humble Rice spoke to Amazon Prime, reflecting on his breakthrough performance:
“It’s been in the locker, but I’ve hit the wall too many times or it’s gone over the bar. Originally we were going to cross it, then I saw the wall and the keeper’s position and thought, just go for it. Bukayo told me to feel it. The second one, I had the confidence and hit it.”
While the magnitude of his achievement hasn’t fully sunk in, Rice admitted:
“In a few years’ time this will really hit me — what I’ve done tonight was really special.”
Source: Getty Images
What's next for Arsenal and Real Madrid?
Arsenal will look to build on this remarkable result when they return to Premier League action against Brentford on Saturday, before travelling to the Bernabeu for the second leg on April 16 — with Real Madrid now in desperate need of a remontada to keep their European dreams alive.
Partey lauded for masterclass vs Real Madrid
Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted the glowing praise Thomas Partey received following his standout display against Real Madrid.
The Ghanaian midfield enforcer orchestrated play with finesse as Arsenal cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over the Spanish giants.
Though he didn't register a goal, Partey's influence in the middle of the park was instrumental in the Gunners' emphatic triumph.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
