In Arsenal`s dominant performance against Real Madrid, Declan Rice marked a career highlight by scoring two breathtaking free-kicks. These goals contributed significantly to Arsenal`s 3-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Los Blancos. While the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu remains, Arsenal is in a strong position with a three-goal lead.
Rice`s exceptional performance, featuring a brace and a key role in Arsenal`s solid defense, was truly remarkable. He felt he could have scored even more, acknowledging excellent saves from Thibaut Courtois. Nevertheless, Rice was instrumental in securing the win.
“I probably should’ve had two goals in the first half,” Rice commented. “But I scored two. I played fearlessly, determined to make an impact, and I believe we achieved that.”
After the match, Rice analyzed his free-kick goals with Arsenal icon Thierry Henry from CBS Sports. He revealed that these goals might not have happened if he had strictly followed the instructions of Arsenal`s set-piece coach.
Analyzing Rice`s First Free-Kick Goal
For the first free-kick, Real Madrid`s four-man wall presented an opportunity. Rice noticed space wide to the right, allowing him to curl the ball back in. He described his discussion with Bukayo Saka before taking the kick.
“Our set-piece coach planned for us to cross to the far post,” Rice explained. “But speaking with Bukayo, it didn’t feel right. I saw the gap on Courtois’s side of the wall and told Bukayo, ‘I’m going for it.’ He encouraged me, saying, ‘If you feel it, take it.’ Taking risks is necessary to score. As soon as I struck the ball, I knew it had a chance – a truly memorable moment.”
Rice`s ability to improvise and find his own solutions highlights his quality. His arrival at Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 was a game-changer, and this crucial moment against Real Madrid brings Arsenal closer to the Champions League semifinals.
Twice as Impressive
Real Madrid adjusted their wall for the second free-kick, but Rice was undeterred. He delivered another perfect strike, extending Arsenal’s lead. He became the first player since Hakim Ziyech in 2023 to score two free-kicks in a Champions League match, potentially establishing himself as Arsenal`s primary free-kick taker.
“My ball-striking and goal-scoring are aspects of my game that are sometimes questioned. I know I’m capable of these moments; it’s about producing them consistently,” Rice stated. “After the first goal, I had the confidence for the second. As soon as it left my foot, I knew it was good.”
“When practicing free-kicks, I’ve noticed that focusing on the ball and the specific spot I want to hit leads to more consistency.”
Practice pays off, and even if this free-kick masterclass is a one-off for Rice, it could be a pivotal moment in Arsenal`s journey to the UCL semifinals.