Declan Rice delivered a career-defining performance for Arsenal against Real Madrid, scoring two breathtaking free-kicks in their dominant 3-0 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg victory. While the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu remains a challenge, Arsenal holds a significant advantage.
Rice`s exceptional display included not only his two goals but also a crucial role in Arsenal`s solid defense, which kept Real Madrid scoreless. Despite feeling he could have scored even more, thanks to impressive saves from Thibaut Courtois, Rice was instrumental in securing the win.
“I probably should`ve had two in the first half,” Rice admitted, referring to missed opportunities. “But I scored the two goals. I went out there fearless and determined to prove a point, and we did.”
After the match, Rice discussed his free-kick goals with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, revealing that his success came from deviating from the planned set-piece strategy.
Rice`s First Free-Kick: An Audacious Decision
For his first free-kick, Rice noticed Real Madrid`s four-man wall and identified an opportunity to curl the ball around the outside. He recounted his conversation with Bukayo Saka about the moment.
“Our set-piece coach wanted us to cross the ball to the back post,” Rice explained. “But I told Bukayo, `Crossing it doesn`t feel right.` I saw the space outside the wall and told Bukayo, `If you feel it, take it,` he replied. I decided to go for it. If you don`t risk it, you don`t score. As soon as I hit it, I knew it had a chance – a historic moment.”
Rice`s ability to improvise and find solutions is a key aspect of his talent. His arrival at Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 has been transformative, and this match-winning performance against Real Madrid further cements his importance as Arsenal aims for the Champions League semifinals.
Second Strike of Genius
Real Madrid adjusted their wall for the second free-kick, but Rice still managed to score a stunning goal, doubling Arsenal`s lead. This made him the first player to score two free-kicks in a Champions League game since Hakim Ziyech in 2023, potentially establishing him as Arsenal`s primary free-kick taker.
“People question my ball-striking and goal-scoring ability,” Rice commented. “But I know I can produce these moments; it`s about doing it consistently. After the first goal, I had the confidence for the second.”
Rice also shared his practice technique: “When practicing free-kicks, I focus on the ball and the spot I want to hit, rather than looking up too quickly. This helps with consistency.”
Whether this free-kick masterclass becomes a regular feature for Rice remains to be seen, but it was undoubtedly a monumental performance that could propel Arsenal to the Champions League semifinals.
Benedict Kingsley