Rice Reveals Secrets to Free-Kick in Arsenal’s Famous Win Over Real Madrid

Declan Rice delivered a historic performance for Arsenal in their sensational 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League — and the midfielder has now opened up about the two unforgettable free-kick goals that stunned the football world.

The 25-year-old, who has become a leader at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield since his summer move from West Ham, was the unexpected hero on Tuesday night as he scored twice from direct free kicks — a feat never before achieved in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Speaking after the match, Rice admitted that scoring from set-pieces hasn’t always been his strong suit, but something clicked at the Emirates Stadium.

“It’s been in the locker!” he said with a grin. “But I have hit the wall too many times or it’s gone over the bar. I was originally going to cross it but I saw the goalkeeper’s position and I just hit it.”

The crowd erupted as the ball curled into the bottom corner in the 58th minute, giving Arsenal the lead in a tense affair. When the opportunity came again minutes later, Rice repeated the magic with an even more spectacular strike into the top corner, leaving the legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rooted to the spot.

A New Dimension to His Game

Rice’s brace not only helped Arsenal take a giant step toward the Champions League semi-finals, but also added a new chapter to his evolution as a complete midfielder. Known for his defensive solidity and leadership, Rice showed he has more to offer — and the confidence to deliver when it matters most.

“I have not processed it yet as we still have another leg to go,” Rice added. “But I think in a couple of years it is going to hit me what I have done for Arsenal tonight.”

The Bigger Picture

Arsenal’s victory over the 14-time European champions marks one of their most iconic nights in European competition. Mikel Arteta’s men now take a commanding lead into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, and Rice’s influence is one of the key reasons behind it.

The midfielder’s ability to step up and take control in high-pressure moments — particularly with both of his goals coming from set pieces — shows how much he has grown since arriving in North London. It’s clear Arteta has unlocked another layer to Rice’s game.

Eyes on the Prize

While fans, pundits, and teammates shower praise on Rice, the player himself remains grounded. He knows the job is not yet done, and that the real test awaits in Spain. Still, his performance will live long in the memory of Arsenal fans and could prove to be a defining moment in their Champions League campaign.

For now, Declan Rice has shown he’s not just a midfield anchor — he’s a game-changer. And on a magical night at the Emirates, he etched his name into Arsenal folklore.