Declan Rice Shocks with Two Stunning Free-Kicks Against Real Madrid

ARLINGTON, Va. — In a stunning display of skill, Declan Rice scored two breathtaking free-kick goals for Arsenal, leading them to a 3-0 victory against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2025. Rice’s historic achievement, coming in a mere 12 minutes, marked a significant moment in both his career and in Arsenal’s pursuit of European glory.

Before Tuesday, the 26-year-old had never scored a direct free-kick in 338 previous club matches. His performance not only electrified the home crowd but also highlighted his technical capabilities as a midfielder. According to Opta’s metrics, the probability of scoring from his first free-kick was just 3.7%, yet Rice made it look effortless.

“Originally we were gonna cross it, then I just saw the wall and the goalkeeper’s position and thought: just go for it,” Rice shared after the match. His first goal arrived in the 58th minute, bending around a Real Madrid wall before finding the net.

A mere 12 minutes later, Rice scored again, curling another attempt into the top corner with an xG of 6.3%, further dramatizing the improbability of the two goals—totaling a 0.23% chance of success. “The second one I just had the confidence and I hit it,” he remarked, reflecting on the significance of his goals.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Rice’s performance, emphasizing the importance of creating “magic moments” against a team of Madrid’s caliber. “And today, in 12 minutes, against one of the best keepers in the world, we score two… nobody knows about football,” Arteta quipped, summarizing the euphoric atmosphere at the Emirates.

Rice’s achievement was made even more special by the presence of his family, who celebrated alongside him as he received the man of the match award. As he exited the pitch, teammate Gabriel joked about his eagerness for Rice to share the secret of his newfound free-kick prowess. Lighthearted moments like this showcased the unity within the Arsenal squad.

This match also signifies an important shift in Rice’s role since joining Arsenal from West Ham in 2023. Though he had been primarily tasked with corner kicks and assisting others, he eagerly sought the responsibility of free-kicks, seeing opportunities where others might not. “Scoring free-kicks like that had been in the locker, but I’ve hit the wall too many times or it’s gone over the bar!” Rice reflected, acknowledging his earlier struggles with dead-ball situations.

The context of his success is noteworthy: Arsenal had not scored a direct free-kick in a Champions League match since 2002. Rice’s twin goals now place him alongside football legends like Rivaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo as only the fifth player to score two direct free-kicks in a single Champions League match.

Amid the excitement, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois faced scrutiny for his wall setting, with football expert Bartek Sylwestrzak criticizing the narrow defense that allowed Rice’s second goal to slip past him. Sylwestrzak noted that Courtois left the far post exposed, which Rice exploited effectively.

Despite this historic win, Arsenal remains wary of the second leg in Madrid, recalling the Spanish side’s reputation for comebacks. As Arsenal seeks to cement its status in European football, Rice’s remarkable free-kick triumph adds to the anticipation and uncertainty leading into the next match.

In a further testament to Rice’s impact, Prince William expressed hope that Rice could continue this form as England’s designated free-kick taker. “I think if he can do that now, he’s going to be the England set-piece taker, and that’s really exciting,” the Prince stated in an interview post-match. As Arsenal prepares for the return leg, one thing is clear: Declan Rice has emerged as a pivotal player capable of delivering when it matters most.