Declan Rice claimed he had a 3-0 victory over Champions League holder Real Madrid in the first quarter-finals at Emirates Stadium, which led to Declan Rice having scored two breathtaking free kicks.
The first free kick saw Rice, who had never won a free kick before in his career, when most people were hoping that Buka Yosaka would step up.
The goal sparked a paranoid celebration between home fans and Rice, but after 10 minutes it barely produced something better. This time, he repeated the court core across the goal from the other side, and his amazing strikes flew to the top corner, causing Madrid to be unstoppable.
Arsenal nights were even better. Just five minutes later, Mikel Merino started again as a makeshift striker, sending the sweetly stricken first finish from an excellent Miles Lewis Skelly square pass on the edge of the box to the bottom corner.
Real Madrid was upset and their collapse continued at rest time when midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.
Arsenal’s ramp-extended second half show followed a breathtaking first period, with both sides driving chances, with Thomas Party headers making double saves from his own teammates William Saliba and Cotewa making double saves from Rice and Gabriel Martinelli.
Real Madrid threatened with a break, and Killian Mbappe blew away one-on-one efforts before seeing another saved by David Raya, but the 15-time winner of this competition offered nothing in the second half as Arsenal inspired by Lisa’s incredible free kick.
The host may have scored more than three goals. Carlo Ancelotti’s side will need two Krumwas saves from Martinelli and Merino, both sides of the goal line clearance by David Alaba, once again from Merino.
Arsenal’s Bukayosaka started for the first time since returning from injury.
But in the end, the three goals are enough to condemn Real Madrid for a joint defeat in the Champions League knockout game, allowing Arsenal to celebrate the famous night at Emirates Stadium and advance to the semi-finals in the second leg next week.
In the celebration of joy, there were concerns that Saka and Rice were stepping into the second half of the game, but Arteta insisted that their knock would not look serious afterwards.
Photo: Rice’s stunning free kick
Rice’s first free kick was taken from about 25 yards
Rice’s efforts were curled around the wall and just inside the post.
Rice’s second effort was hit from the other side from roughly the same distance.
Kluwa looked at her knees and Rice was kicked out in the celebration
ARTETA: Atmosphere and magical moments won the game
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta At his press conference:
“I’m very proud. We had a very complete performance. We did what we had to do to win that game.
“It’s two things. The first is the atmosphere. This was something I’d never seen 15 minutes before kickoff, and the second is a magical moment.
“I was very confident [this could happen]. We could feel with the buildup that can cause many problems.
“But you have to make it happen. If you have that mindset and belief, if it can happen, then you can deliver it. We did that, but it’s halftime.”
Mason: Arsenal’s biggest night at Emirates
Sky Sports Paul Mason He described the 3-0 victory as “the biggest night” at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
“I couldn’t call this game,” Merson said. Soccer special.
“It was probably the greatest night in the Emirates. It must be. These were European champions and Arsenal destroyed them.
“Three incredible goals. I didn’t think people could bend that ball! Two incredible free kicks and Merino. If Ehling Haaland, Harry Kane or Killian Mbappe scored, we’ll be talking about it for years.
“I’ll say the best night at the Emirates. They now have to get through the first 20 minutes at the Bernabeu.
“It’s Real Madrid. The first 20 minutes are important and the place is shaking.”
Rice’s Historical Essence – Opta Statistics
- Rice became the first player in Champions League history to score two direct free-kick goals in a knockout stage match. Overall it was the fifth time a player has won two or more in the same game (also Cristiano Ronaldo, Hakim Ziyech, Neymar, Rivaldo).
- Rice became the fourth player to score from a direct free kick in Arsenal’s Champions League (after Alberto Mendes, Thierry Henry X3 and Buka Yosaka). It was first scored in a knockout game for competitive gunners.
- Arsenal scored 21 goals from set pieces in all competitions this season, except for penalties. Premier League teams are the most common.
Ancelotti: We were sad and poor
real madrid Head coach Carlo Ancelotti At his press conference:
“It was very difficult for us. I thought the team was getting stronger in the game. They were organized in the first half.
“Then, after two goals and being recognized from a free kick, the team struggled mentally and physically, and their levels fell.
“It was difficult and the game ended like that. Usually, this team raised the game towards the end of the game. It was a shame and poor thing.
“We must be critical of ourselves here and do everything we can to recover next week.
“The chances are very unlikely, but you have to try 100% and do everything you can.
“It’s an opportunity to show a response to a pure game.”
