Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice stole the show against Real Madrid After scoring two impressive free kicks in the quarterfinals first leg of the Gunners' Champions League First-Been against Los Blancos
Kylian Mbappe could hardly believe that his eyes think against Real Madrid in the Champions League after the free kick of Declan Rice. Arsenal prevailed over the La Liga Giants with 3-0 when the midfielder of England took two excellent set pieces.
For the first time, Rice hit an excellent curling effort along Thibaut Courtois, before offering a fierce attack with perfect placement to beat the Belgian again. Mikel Merino closed the score with a good attempt to give the Gunners a healthy advantage for the quarter -finally second stage.
Mbappe could only blow out his cheeks and offer a small kink of recognition, as the quality of Rice's hit was, because the stars of Arsenal were sent in acceleration. The Frenchman soon went back to the middle circle when Real Madrid stays behind looking for answers.
The bewildered look was hardly able to leave Mbappe's face when Los Blancos noticed that she was suffering an extensive defeat after a scoreless first half. However, the former Real Madrid star, who scored 32 goals this season, did not give up hope.
To his Instagram story after the game, the Frenchman shared an image of himself during the game with the caption: “Hay que create Hasta El Final” that translates into “You have to believe to the end.”
The 26-year-old was perhaps even more impressed than most of the brace of Rice. Mbappe only scored the first direct free kick of his own career at the end of last month.
The 2018 World Cup winner thought it was just against Leganes, although the ball stabbed by Fran Garcia to lead to questions about whether it counted. Rice had only scored on Tuesday evening until Tuesday evening, but left no one in any doubt about the validity of his strikes.
Arsenal -midfielder Rice was ecstatic about what he delivered. The international of England explained his decision to go twice for Doel
“Originally we crossed the first, but I saw the wall and position of the keeper,” he said. “The second I had the confidence and I hit it.
“It is not going to touch me yet because there is another leg to go. I am excited, I am happy, I am in the clouds. It is the best feeling in the world. In a few years it will affect me that what I have done tonight is really special.”
And it was not how Mikel Arteta expected to win. It broke a long enchanting of the gunners who did not score directly from a free kick, despite their reputation from Set pieces.
“He never scored a free kick in his career, we have not scored a direct free kick since Burnley in September 2021,” said Arteta. “What are the opportunities?
“It was two moments of individual quality and we have to show that we can do that again next week. Real Madrid changed the competition, they are the best team in the history of the competition and it was so important for us to take the next step.”
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