In a dominant performance against Real Madrid, Declan Rice had a career-defining moment, scoring two fantastic free-kicks. 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 the Santiago Bernabeu is still to come, Arsenal is in a strong position with a three-goal lead.
Rice`s performance was exceptional, arguably one of the best seen in an Arsenal jersey. He scored twice and played a crucial role in a solid defensive effort that prevented Real Madrid from scoring. Rice himself felt he could have scored even more, acknowledging excellent saves by Thibaut Courtois. Nevertheless, he was happy with his contribution.
“I probably should’ve had two [goals] in the first half. I missed a potential tap-in and a header. But I did score two goals. I played with confidence and wanted to prove my worth. And I think we did as a team,” Rice stated.
After the game, Rice spoke with Arsenal icon and CBS Sports analyst Thierry Henry about his free-kick goals. 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
For the first free kick, Real Madrid`s wall only had four players. Rice spotted an opportunity to curl the ball around the wall to the right side of the goal, and he executed it perfectly. He described the discussion with Bukayo Saka before the free kick.
“Before the moment, our set-piece coach wanted us to cross the ball to the far post,” Rice explained. “He suggested an out-swinging cross to the back post. But I spoke with Bukayo and said, ‘Crossing it doesn’t feel right.’ I looked at the wall, then at Courtois, and saw the space for a right-footed curler around the outside of the wall. Bukayo agreed, saying, ‘If you feel it, take the shot.’ And I decided to go for it. If you don’t risk it, you don’t score. As soon as the ball left my foot, I knew it had a good chance, and it became one of those memorable moments.”
This ability to improvise and find his own solutions is a key aspect of what makes Rice a top player. His arrival at Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023 was a game-changer for the club. Now, he`s delivering crucial moments, like helping Arsenal defeat Real Madrid and advance closer to the Champions League semifinals.
Twice as Nice
For his second free kick, Real Madrid adjusted their wall, but Rice was undeterred. He delivered another perfect strike, extending Arsenal’s lead. This made him the first player to score two free-kick goals in a single Champions League match since Hakim Ziyech in 2023, potentially establishing him as Arsenal`s primary free-kick taker.
“I think some people question my ability to strike the ball and score goals. I know I’m capable of these moments, it’s about producing them more consistently,” Rice said. “After the first goal, I felt confident as soon as the ball left my foot on the second one.”
“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 keep my focus on the ball and visualize the spot where I want to place it, my consistency improves.”
Practice pays off. Even if these free kicks were a one-off for Rice, they could be incredibly significant in Arsenal`s journey to the Champions League semifinals.
