In a night to remember at the Emirates, Declan Rice pulled back the curtain on the unexpected story behind his first-ever direct free-kick goal — a moment that helped power Arsenal to a commanding 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
“Bukayo Saka Told Me to Take the Risk!”
Speaking after the match, Rice admitted that his goal didn’t follow the initial game plan: “The instruction was to cross the ball into the box,” he revealed. “But when I saw the Real Madrid wall slightly shifted, Bukayo Saka looked at me and said: ‘If you feel it, go for it.’”
Laughing, Rice added: “I took a chance. If it flew over the bar, so be it — but instead, it went in like magic!”
“Nicolas Jover Wants the Credit – But He Told Me to Cross!”
In a light-hearted jab, Rice joked about Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, saying: “He’s celebrating like it was his idea — but he was the one who told me to cross it!”
Why Rice’s Decision Was the Right One:
- The angle wasn’t ideal for a cross.
- Real Madrid’s defensive wall was slightly off-position, leaving a clear gap.
- Rice’s confidence was sky-high after scoring his first direct free-kick ever.
“A Night I’ll Never Forget”
Reflecting on the moment, Rice said: “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. Scoring twice against Real Madrid… it’s historic. We want to win this competition, but we’ll take it one game at a time.”
Warning to Real Madrid: "More Surprises Await!"
Rice’s heroic performance spells trouble for Los Blancos ahead of the second leg at the Bernabéu, especially with:
- Arsenal’s belief is peaking at the perfect time.
- Real Madrid failed to deal with dead-ball situations.
- The Gunners' team spirit was evident from start to finish.
Can Declan Rice deliver again in Madrid? Or will Real Madrid find the answers on their home?
