Declan Rice Champions League Brilliance Stuns Real Madrid in Historic Arsenal Win

Declan Rice Champions League performance stuns Real Madrid as Arsenal midfielder scores two free kicks in historic 3–0 quarter-final win.

Declan Rice Champions League headlines are dominating the football world after the Arsenal midfielder delivered a career-defining performance against Real Madrid. In the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Rice scored two stunning free kicks and, as a result, led Arsenal to a commanding 3–0 victory.

From the 58th minute, Rice took control of the match. His first goal curled around Madrid’s wall and into the bottom corner, leaving Thibaut Courtois frozen. Just twelve minutes later, Rice struck againβ€”this time with a long-range rocket into the top cornerβ€”cementing his status as one of the world’s elite midfielders.

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Daniel Sturridge Applauds Rice’s Rise

Liverpool legend Daniel Sturridge was quick to praise Declan Rice Champions League performance. Speaking on Amazon Prime Video, he called Rice β€œone of the best midfielders in the world.” Sturridge highlighted Rice’s technical skill and composure and, furthermore, emphasized that β€œhis name will now be in the conversation with the best midfielders in the world.”

Liverpool legend Daniel Sturridge was quick to praise Declan Rice Champions League performance. Speaking on Amazon Prime Video, he called Rice β€œone of the best midfielders in the world.” Sturridge highlighted Rice’s technical skill and composure. In addition to that, he emphasized that β€œhis name will now be in the conversation with the best midfielders in the world.”

Declan Rice Champions League performance
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Declan Rice of Arsenal scores his team’s second goal past Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid from a free-kick during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Dominance and Historic Feat

Rice’s double was complemented by a third goal from Mikel Merino in the 75th minute, sealing Arsenal’s win and leaving Real Madrid stunned. The result not only puts Arsenal in a strong position for the second leg at the Santiago BernabΓ©u, but also marks a milestoneβ€”Rice became the first player to score two direct free kicks in a Champions League knockout match.

As Arsenal fans celebrate the triumph, Rice’s performance has elevated him into the global elite. With his name now firmly established, the future looks bright for both the English star and his club. The second leg promises more drama as Rice and Arsenal continue their pursuit of Champions League glory.

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