Arsenal`s dominant performance against Real Madrid was highlighted by Declan Rice, who scored two fantastic free-kick goals. These goals contributed to Arsenal`s impressive 3-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal match against Real Madrid. While the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu is still to come, Arsenal feels confident with their three-goal lead.
Rice delivered an exceptional all-around performance for Arsenal, scoring twice and playing a key role in a strong defensive effort that prevented Real Madrid from scoring. He admitted he could have even scored more goals, but Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made some excellent saves. However, Rice was happy to contribute to the victory.
“I probably should`ve scored two in the first half,” Rice mentioned. “But I did score two goals. I played with confidence and wanted to prove my worth. And I think we did that as a team.”
After the game, Rice spoke with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who is now a CBS Sports analyst, about his free-kick goals. Rice explained that the goals might not have happened if he had strictly followed the instructions of Arsenal’s set-piece coach.
Analyzing Rice`s First Free Kick
For the first free kick, Real Madrid`s defensive wall only had four players. Rice saw an opportunity to curl the ball around the wall and into the net. He described his conversation with Bukayo Saka before taking the kick.
“Our set-piece coach wanted us to cross the ball to the far post,” Rice explained. “But I told Bukayo that it didn`t feel right. I looked at the wall and Courtois and saw space to shoot to the right side. Bukayo told me, `If you feel it, take it.` So I decided to go for it. You have to take risks to score. As soon as I kicked the ball, I felt it had a good chance, and it turned out to be a special moment.”
Rice`s ability to make his own decisions on the field is a key aspect of his talent. Since joining Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023, he has been a game-changer for the club. This big moment against Real Madrid brings Arsenal closer to the Champions League semifinals.
Two Goals From Free-Kicks
For the second free kick, Real Madrid adjusted their wall, but Rice still managed to score another perfect free kick, extending Arsenal`s lead. He became the first player since Hakim Ziyech in 2023 to score two free-kick goals in a single Champions League match, possibly establishing himself as Arsenal`s new primary free-kick taker.
“I think some people question my ability to strike the ball and score goals. I know I am capable of these moments, and I need to produce them more consistently,” Rice stated. “After the first goal, I felt confident for the second one.”
He added, “When I practice free kicks, I`ve noticed that if I look up too quickly after making contact, the strike isn`t as good. But when I focus on the ball and visualize the spot I want to hit, I have much more consistency.”
Practice is essential, and even if these free kicks were a one-off for Rice, they could be incredibly significant in Arsenal`s journey to the UCL semifinals.
