“In a few years time it will hit me,” Declan Rice reflects on free-kick masterclass vs Madrid

• Declan Rice stunned Real Madrid with two breathtaking free-kicks as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 first-leg win in their Champions League quarter-final clash.
• The Gunners completely dominated at the Emirates, with Real Madrid struggling to match their tempo or create chances.
• Rice and Arsenal remain cautious despite their commanding lead, with full awareness of Real Madrid’s pedigree in dramatic European turnarounds.

Premier League side Arsenal sent shockwaves through Europe with a statement 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, April 8. 

Declan Rice was the unexpected hero, scoring two sublime free-kicks before Mikel Merino added a third to hand the Gunners a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg in Spain.

The match began with Arsenal on the front foot while Real Madrid struggled to settle into rhythm. Despite some early openings, it was Thibaut Courtois who kept the visitors in the game with a brilliant double-save just before halftime.

But Arsenal’s dominance soon converted into goals after the break. In the 58th minute, Rice curled in a stunning free-kick, his first-ever senior goal from a direct set piece, that left Courtois rooted. 

Just twelve minutes later, he did it again, this time with even greater precision, sending the Emirates into raptures.

Speaking after the game, Rice admitted he always had this ability, saying, 

“It’s been in the locker, but I’ve hit the wall too many times or it’s gone over the bar, in a few years time it will hit me that what I’ve done tonight is really special,” he said.

Arsenal capped off a magical night when Mikel Merino latched onto a through ball and fired clinically into the bottom corner to make it three. Things went from bad to worse for Real Madrid as Eduardo Camavinga saw red late on after receiving a second yellow card.

Despite the defeat, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham acknowledged Arsenal’s dominance, 

“We were nowhere near it, that’s the fact. Arsenal were really good, if there’s one place where crazy things can happen, it’s our house… anything can happen at the Bernabeu,” Bellingham boasted.

Rice, while celebrating, was quick to keep his team grounded, urging focus ahead of the return leg, 

“We need to be ready for next week because we know the Bernabeu and what it’s like to play there.”

Arsenal now stand one step away from a historic semifinal appearance, but as Bellingham warned, it’s far from over.

Rivals should be scared as Saka unveils major agenda for Arsenal

Previously, TheRadar reported that Arsenal’s effort toward claiming silverware saw a major boost as they secured a Carabao Cup semi-final spot with a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace. 

Bukayo Saka came off the bench to provide a pivotal assist and later declared that the Gunners are “ready to compete for every trophy” this season.