So, this is how you beat Real Madrid. Not with luck, or scrappy goals, but with two absolutely outrageous free-kicks from a bloke who, until now, had never scored one in his professional career.
Step up, Declan Rice—Arsenal’s midfield engine—who delivered not just one, but two stunning goals in the second half of a 3-0 demolition of Real Madrid in north London. And just like that, Arsenal fans have permission to start dreaming big.
Declan Rice Delivers the Impossible
Before Tuesday night, Declan Rice had zero free-kick goals in eight years of professional football. Against the biggest club in Europe, he curled in two in 12 minutes. Not bad for a first effort.
The first? Pure magic. Just after the hour mark, Rice stood over the ball just right of the box. What followed was a right-footed beauty that didn’t just beat the wall—it danced past it, curled like a boomerang, and left Thibaut Courtois flailing at thin air as the ball nestled into the top corner. The Emirates erupted.
And then—because once apparently wasn’t enough—Rice did it again. From the left this time, no disguise, all power. He struck it so sweetly, the ball was still rising as it bulged the net. Courtois had no chance. The home crowd didn’t cheer—they roared, a sound laced with disbelief and joy.
From Criticism to Career-Defining Moment
For a player who has copped criticism for not having a “standout weapon,” Rice delivered a performance that was all substance and sparkle. He ran the game, dominated the midfield, and then topped it off with two worldies.
Commentators and fans have often asked what Rice’s X-factor is. On this night, he answered with force: this is it.
Arsenal’s Best European Night in Decades?
Make no mistake, this wasn’t just a good game—it was Arsenal’s most important European performance in nearly 30 years. Against the kings of the Champions League, they weren’t just competitive, they were dominant.
Real Madrid had their usual array of galácticos on display. But Arsenal didn’t blink. They controlled the tempo, looked confident on the ball, and created chance after chance. The third goal came through Mikel Merino, finishing off a slick move started (again) by Rice, who charged down the left and fed the play through Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Merino’s finish was top class: first-time, clean strike, curled past Courtois into the far corner. At that point, the Emirates was in dreamland.
Ødegaard Shines, Saka Soars
Martin Ødegaard, facing his former club, was all class. Linking up beautifully with Bukayo Saka on the right wing, he showed Real Madrid what they let go. That combo gave Real’s defenders a nightmare all night long.
By the end, Real weren’t just beaten—they were frustrated. Jude Bellingham looked like someone had insulted his nan, complaining to the ref and gesturing like it was all deeply unfair. Classic Real Madrid energy—but this time, it didn’t work.
Can Arsenal Go All the Way?
So now the question is real: are Arsenal the favourites to win the Champions League?
Let’s not get carried away—Real Madrid are still Real Madrid, and they’re more than capable of scoring three at the Bernabéu. But Arsenal didn’t just win the first leg—they sent a message. They’re not here to make up the numbers. They’re here to compete.
And if Declan Rice keeps pulling goals like those out of nowhere? Well… anything’s possible.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
