Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice made an unforgettable mark on the European stage, scoring two stunning free-kicks within 12 minutes to help his team defeat Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Before Tuesday night, Rice had never scored a free-kick in his eight-year professional career, but on this occasion, he nailed two against the European champions in Arsenal’s biggest European game in nearly 20 years.
It was an extraordinary display of skill. The first free-kick came in the 58th minute, with Arsenal already starting to take control of the game. Positioned just to the right of the goal, Rice sent a perfect shot curling around the Real Madrid wall and into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois no chance. The ball seemed to defy expectation as it swerved and spun with stunning precision, drawing an eruption of cheers from the crowd.
Just minutes later, Rice struck again. This time, his free-kick was even more powerful, fired into the top corner with incredible force. The net bulged as the ball rocketed in, sending Arsenal’s supporters into a frenzy. The two goals were a defining moment of Rice’s career, especially considering his reputation for lacking a standout attribute. On this night, he proved he has more to offer than just hard work.
While Rice was the standout performer, the entire evening was a visual treat. Arsenal dominated the first half, and though Real Madrid showed flashes of their attacking prowess, they couldn’t match Arsenal’s intensity. Mikel Merino sealed the victory with a well-executed third goal, combining with Rice to finish off a brilliant team move.
Despite the win, Arsenal knows the tie is far from over. Real Madrid can still be a dangerous force, and they will need to keep their focus as they look to secure progress. But for now, Arsenal and Rice can enjoy the moment, with two remarkable free-kicks ensuring this night will live long in memory.
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