Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice scored the first two direct free kick goals of his career as a Mikel Arteta's side stunned Real Madrid in their quarterfinals of the Champions League
Arsenal Hero Declan Rice suggested that he set set-piece coach Nicolas Jover about his opening goal in the 3-0 win of the Gunners against Real Madrid. The midfielder of England defeated Thibaut Courtois with Pace and Curl to score a direct free kick for the first time in his career, but suggested that the original plan was to cross the ball in the box.
The TV cameras cut to Jover after the goal, in which the Frenchman celebrates Wild. After Rice gave his explanation, the Amazon Prime -broadcasting team jokes that Rice put his coach in trouble.
“We said to cross it,” said Rice. “If she [the defenders in the wall] were a bit more than we saw the space bukayo [Saka] Said if you feel it, go for it. I thought I would take this.
“If you score a goal, this is the best feeling in the world. It didn't make sense to cross the ball from that corner. It should be a delicate pass. And when I saw the wall. It was not logical to cross. You know what, I am glad I took it because it was magical.”
Rice was then asked more directly about the celebrations of Jover. “He claims for it, but he told me to cross it!” The former West Ham star answered.
One goal soon became two, with Rice sent a free kick past Thibaut Courtois halfway through the second period. “I had the confidence of the first. If it were about the bar, it wouldn't matter,” Rice admitted.
“I don't think it will affect me what I did tonight,” he added. “It is a historic night and to score two goals against Real Madrid. We want to win this competition. But we have to make the one game at the same time.”
Arsenal was without a number of senior stars when they welcomed Real Madrid in North Londs. Among the missing, strikers were Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, but deputy Mikel Merino was through in the middle of the action and was given a goal of his own 15 minutes of time.
“We spoke in the dressing room about maintaining the pace and the pace, of course with the help of the crowd on our side,” said the former Real Sociedad star. “The second half was great, we played with full gas from the side. When this side plays like this, the crowd goes with us.”
Think about the double of Rice, added: “He has one of the best shooting options I have seen in my career. I am not surprised, maybe you are. Hopefully more will come in the future.”
Arsenal will take their lead from three goals to the Bernabeu on 16 April in a prime position to reach the semi -final. The other quarterfinals of the night is more closely in order, with Inter Milan winning 2-1 in their first stage to Bayern Munich.
Become a member of our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of mirror football content. We also deal with our members of the community on special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can view every time you like. If you are curious, you can read our privacy statement.
Comments