Declan Rice delivered a masterclass on Tuesday night, scoring two sensational free-kicks to lead Arsenal to a stunning 3-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.
Playing in front of a raucous Emirates crowd, the Gunners overwhelmed the Spanish giants with a dominant second-half display. Rice opened the scoring with a beautifully curled free-kick that sneaked inside Thibaut Courtois’ near post — marking the first free-kick goal of his professional career.
Just 12 minutes later, Rice struck again, this time with an even more spectacular effort that soared into the top corner, leaving Courtois rooted to the spot.
The night got even better for Mikel Arteta’s side when Mikel Merino added a third goal, bending a precise shot past the Real Madrid goalkeeper to seal a near-perfect performance and put Arsenal in firm control heading into the second leg.
With the Emirates buzzing and Arsenal riding high, the London club now look poised for a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
