Arsenal fans are still pinching themselves after a night of pure magic at the Emirates Stadium, where Declan Rice etched his name into Champions League history with a jaw-dropping performance against Real Madrid.
In a stunning 3-0 victory during the quarter-final first leg, the English midfielder did the unthinkable—scoring not one, but two breathtaking free kicks to dismantle the 15-time Champions League holders, leaving fans, pundits, and even Real Madrid’s stars in disbelief.
Declan Rice Shocks the World: A Record-Breaking Night
According to OptaJean, Rice became the first player ever to score two direct free kicks in a single Champions League knockout stage match. The 26-year-old, who had never scored a direct free kick in his 338-game professional career prior to this match, chose the biggest stage to unleash his newfound superpower.
His first strike in the 58th minute—a curling beauty around the Madrid wall—fooled goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and sent the Emirates into a frenzy. Just 12 minutes later, Rice did it again, this time whipping a sensational shot into the top corner from the opposite side, leaving Courtois rooted to the spot and Arsenal fans in a state of delirium.
“Absolutely incredible,” said Alan Shearer on BBC Radio 5 Live. “Not even Superman could have saved that second one,” added former Real Madrid star Clarence Seedorf, who watched in awe from the stands.
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Arsenal’s Dominance and Real Madrid’s Collapse
The Gunners were relentless, dominating the reigning champions with a rampant second-half display. Bukayo Saka, back from injury, was a constant menace, winning the free kicks that Rice converted with deadly precision.
Mikel Merino sealed the 3-0 rout with a clinical finish, while Real Madrid’s misery was compounded when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after kicking the ball away in frustration.
Arsenal’s performance was a statement of intent, with young star Myles Lewis-Skelly earning praise for his dynamic runs and tactical intelligence. “They couldn’t cope with him,” The Guardian reported, noting Lewis-Skelly’s role in Arsenal’s midfield dominance. Real Madrid, who had lost to Valencia in La Liga just days earlier, looked shell-shocked, their usual flair and resilience nowhere to be found.
Rice Reflects on a Dream Night
“I saw the space around the wall and told Saka I was confident,” Rice said after the match, per BBC Sport. “He told me, ‘If you feel it, go for it.’ I’m over the moon, but I know there’s another leg to go.” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was equally stunned, praising Rice’s execution against “one of the best keepers in the world.” “If there’s a player who can do it, it’s Declan,” Arteta added. “He’s been determined, and tonight he showed it at the highest level.”
Social Media Erupts
The football world on X couldn’t get enough of Rice’s heroics. “And these idiots said he wasn’t a £100 million player,” posted @greengirlbella_, while @flowzki boldly declared, “The tie is over… Arsenal is winning the UCL.” Others, like @Sportsbetio, marveled at the quality of the strikes: “Not just any 2 free kicks, but some of the best we’ve seen .” Even rival fans showed respect, with @mfc_mrpage noting, “Rivalry aside, Declan Rice is up there with Rodri, Sergio, and Kroos. Baller.”
However, not everyone was impressed. “No one cares,” quipped @_kijanayamwingi, while @Glorymanu21 sarcastically congratulated Arsenal on “winning the Declan Rice trophy.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With a 3-0 lead, Arsenal are in a commanding position heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu on April 16. History is on their side—English teams have progressed in all 11 previous instances of winning by three or more goals in the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie. But as The Guardian warned, “It’s never wise to write off Real Madrid, the club with a patent on astonishing comebacks.” Rice himself remained cautious: “We need to be ready for the Bernabeu. It’s a different beast.”
For now, though, Arsenal fans are dreaming of a semi-final spot—and maybe even more. As @Arsenal’s official account posted after the match, “Unforgettable night. Unforgettable performance.” If Rice keeps bending free kicks like David Beckham, as The Guardian put it, who knows how far this Arsenal side can go?
Will Arsenal hold on to their lead, or will Real Madrid stage a miraculous comeback? Share your thoughts below!
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