In a dominant performance against Real Madrid, Declan Rice showcased a career highlight by scoring two breathtaking free-kick goals. These goals contributed significantly to Arsenal`s impressive 3-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid. While the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu remains, Arsenal is in a strong position with a three-goal lead.
Rice`s overall performance was exceptional, marked by his two goals and a robust defensive contribution that kept Real Madrid scoreless. He felt he could have scored even more, acknowledging excellent saves by Thibaut Courtois. Nevertheless, Rice was instrumental in Arsenal`s triumph.
“I probably should’ve had two goals in the first half. I missed a tap-in opportunity and a header. But I scored two goals. I played with fearlessness and determination to prove my worth, and we succeeded,” Rice commented.
After the match, Rice discussed his free-kick goals with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who is now a CBS Sports analyst. Rice revealed that his 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 had only four players. Rice spotted an opportunity to curl the ball around the wall to the right side. He described his decision-making process with Bukayo Saka.
“Before the play, our set-piece coach planned for us to cross the ball to the far post,” Rice explained. “He wanted a reverse cross to the back post. But I told Bukayo that crossing didn’t feel right in this situation. I looked at the wall and then at Courtois, noticing the space for a right-footed curler around the wall. Bukayo agreed, saying, ‘If you feel it, take it.’ I decided to go for it. If you don’t risk it, you won’t score. As soon as the ball left my foot, I knew it had a chance – it was a historic moment.”
Rice`s ability to improvise and find his own solutions is a key aspect of his talent. His move to Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023 was a game-changer for the club. This crucial moment against Real Madrid further cements his importance as Arsenal advances closer to the Champions League semifinals.
Twice as Nice
For the second free kick, Real Madrid adjusted their wall, but Rice remained undeterred. He executed another perfect strike, extending Arsenal`s lead. This achievement marks the first time a player has scored two free-kick goals in a Champions League game since Hakim Ziyech in 2023, potentially establishing Rice as Arsenal’s primary free-kick taker.
“I think this aspect of my game, my ball-striking and goal-scoring ability, is sometimes questioned. I know I’m capable of these moments; it’s about producing them consistently,” Rice stated. “After the first goal, I felt confident. As soon as it left my foot, I knew.”
“When I practice free kicks, I’ve noticed that if I quickly look up after contact, the strike isn`t as accurate. But when I focus on the ball and visualize the spot I want to hit, my consistency improves.”
Practice yields results. Even if these free kicks were a one-off for Rice, they represent a significant milestone that could propel Arsenal into the Champions League semifinals.
