Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Declan Rice after the England midfielder’s sensational free-kick double inspired a historic 3-0 win over reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
Rice delivered a midfield masterclass on Tuesday night, netting two breath-taking free-kicks in the second half to send the Gunners within touching distance of a first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009. Mikel Merino added a third, capitalising on a defensive lapse to complete a famous win in north London.
Rice ends Arsenal’s four-year free-kick drought
Incredibly, the match marked Rice’s first-ever goals from direct free-kicks in his professional career, ending a 338-game wait. It also snapped Arsenal’s long-standing drought, with the club’s last direct free-kick goal dating back to Martin Ødegaard’s strike against Burnley in September 2021.
Ødegaard was visibly stunned when Rice completed his brace, holding his head in disbelief. Arteta was equally astonished by the midfielder’s performance.
“Declan’s been very determined because we have said in the last few months that we have not scored a direct free-kick in three-and-a-half years,” Arteta said.
“So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude and of that quality from the same player, a player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career—what are the odds?”
“If there’s a player who can do it, it’s Declan. The way he strikes the ball is so clean. But to execute it at the highest level and against one of the best keepers in the world—it’s amazing.”
Gunners shift focus to Champions League glory
While Arsenal have struggled to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool, trailing by 11 points, their European campaign remains a beacon of hope for silverware. The emphatic win over Real Madrid positions the Gunners as favourites heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 16.
Few had tipped Arsenal to eliminate the 15-time European champions, but Arteta’s men have once again proven their potential on the grandest stage.
“Beautiful. So proud of the team. I’ve never seen the stadium like this,” Arteta said.
“For big European nights, you need big stadiums that create atmosphere. You also need individual magic moments—and there you go. That’s the beauty of whoever invented this sport.”
Arsenal eye another historic Real Madrid upset
Arsenal famously knocked out Real Madrid in the last 16 on their way to the 2006 Champions League final. Nearly two decades later, they’re poised to repeat history—only this time with a commanding three-goal lead and a place in the semi-finals within reach.
