Historic Win: Rice Hails Arsenal’s Triumph
Historic win Declan Rice couldn’t hide his joy after scoring two incredible free-kicks that led Arsenal to a stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. This victory puts Mikel Arteta’s side on the brink of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
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Merino Settles It in Historic Win
In a second half filled with intensity and precision, Arsenal added a third goal through Mikel Merino, who capitalized on Real Madrid’s disarray. The Gunners will now head to the Bernabéu with a commanding advantage, giving them every reason to believe a place in the final four is within reach.
Courtois Keeps Madrid in It—But Only Briefly
Thibaut Courtois kept Real in the match with a series of fine saves in the first half, but after the break, his teammates were overwhelmed. Arsenal’s energy and clinical execution left Madrid unable to respond, and Rice’s unlikely brace from set-pieces stunned even the most optimistic Arsenal fans.
Historic Win: Rice “Speechless” After First Free-Kick Goals
Following the match, Rice shared his disbelief. “To score one was already incredible, but to score two, and both from free-kicks? I had a special feeling tonight,” he said. “Doing this against Madrid makes it even more surreal. I think I’ll only understand how special this was in a few years’ time.”
Arsenal Stay Focused: The Job Isn’t Done Yet
Despite the advantage his team now holds, Declan Rice emphasized the need for focus and humility ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. “With the quality they have, anything can happen,” Rice warned, showing clear respect for Real Madrid’s pedigree in European competition.
He revealed that manager Mikel Arteta reminded the squad not to take anything for granted. “The manager reminded us how dangerous the Bernabéu is,” Rice said. “We’ve seen what they’re capable of when the crowd gets behind them. It’s one of the toughest places to go in Europe.”
Still, Rice made it clear that Arsenal won’t change their approach. “We’re not going there to defend—we’ll keep playing our way and try to finish the job. That’s the only mentality we can have if we want to go through.”
His words reflect the maturity of a leader who understands the stakes and the mindset needed to survive at the highest level.
Historic Win: Rare European Duel Renewed After 19 Years
This is only the second time Arsenal and Real Madrid have clashed in Europe. Their last meeting came in 2006 when Arsenal knocked Madrid out in the round of 16 before making it to the final. That history only adds weight to what could be another memorable chapter for the North London club.
Arteta Credits Rice and the Crowd for an Iconic Night
Mikel Arteta revealed he had spoken to Pep Guardiola before the match to gain insight on breaking down Madrid. He praised Rice’s unexpected heroics, calling the brace “something you can’t script.” He also emphasized the importance of the home crowd, who he believes lifted the team throughout the match.
Historic Win: Rice Breaks Free-Kick Drought in Style
Remarkably, Rice became the first Arsenal player to score from a direct free-kick since Martin Ødegaard did so in September 2021. Arteta called it “unbelievable” for a player with no prior free-kick goals in his career to produce two of such magnitude in one night.
Historic Win: Ancelotti Disappointed but Not Defeated
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed clear frustration with his team’s performance, acknowledging that they were overwhelmed both physically and mentally following Declan Rice’s quickfire goals. “We didn’t play to our level. This was not the Madrid I know,” he admitted in a post-match interview.
Despite the setback, Ancelotti struck a defiant tone, refusing to give up hope. “It’s not over,” he declared. “At the Bernabéu, anything can happen. We’ve been here before, and we know how to fight back. The tie is still alive.”
His words reflect a mix of disappointment and belief—hallmarks of a manager who has seen it all on the biggest stage.
