Declan Rice Champions League Free-Kick Goals Stun Real Madrid in Historic Arsenal Win

Declan Rice Champions League free-kick goals stun Real Madrid as Arsenal takes control of the quarter-final tie.

Declan Rice Champions League free-kick goals lit up the Emirates Stadium as the Arsenal midfielder delivered a career-defining performance in a 3–0 victory over Real Madrid. Rice scored two sensational set-piece goals, marking his first-ever direct free-kick finishes and etching his name into Champions League history.

Rice’s first goal came with a twist. Instead of following instructions from Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, who advised a cross to the back post, Rice trusted his instincts and curled the ball around Madrid’s wall. The strike left Thibaut Courtois frozen and the crowd erupting. “He’s claiming it, but he told me to cross it!” Rice joked after the match.

Lightning Strikes Twice

Just minutes later, Rice stepped up again—and delivered. His second free-kick soared into the top corner with pinpoint precision, making him the first player in Champions League history to score two direct free-kicks in a single knockout-stage match. “I practice this so much. I had the confidence from the first one,” Rice said, reflecting on the moment.

Arteta’s Arsenal in Full Flow

Rice’s brilliance was part of a larger statement from Mikel Arteta’s side, who dominated the reigning European champions from start to finish. With this emphatic win, Arsenal heads into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu with momentum and belief.

Jover’s influence on Arsenal’s set-piece success this season remains undeniable. Yet Rice’s decision to go off-script showcased his growing maturity and confidence. Sometimes, the magic lies in trusting your gut—and Rice proved that in spectacular fashion.

This performance didn’t just highlight Rice’s technical ability—it underscored the power of intuition and adaptability in elite football. As Arsenal dreams of European glory, Declan Rice Champions League free-kick goals will be remembered as the spark that lit the path.

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