Declan Rice enjoyed a historic night during Arsenal's impressive 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Emirates Stadium. The midfielder, who had never scored from a free-kick in his professional career, made headlines by netting two stunning free-kicks within 13 minutes, showcasing his growing prowess in set-piece situations.

After a tense first half that saw the game at a stalemate, Rice broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a curling strike that flew past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Just minutes later, he doubled his tally with another expertly taken free-kick, becoming the first player to score two free-kicks in a Champions League knockout match. The remarkable achievement left Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard and manager Mikel Arteta in disbelief, while former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos watched on with concern from the stands.

Following the match, Rice expressed his amazement at the feat, stating, "I don't know whether it will ever sink in. To score my first free-kick in a game is special... I just had the confidence." His sentiments reflected the excitement and surprise of not only scoring but doing so in a high-stakes match against a formidable opponent.

Arsenal, known for their threats from set-pieces, had not scored a direct free-kick since September 2021, making Rice's contributions all the more significant. Arteta praised the midfielder's execution and determination, highlighting that Rice's success was not just a stroke of luck but a result of hard work and preparation.

With the win, Arsenal holds a commanding position heading into the second leg at the Bernabéu on April 16. However, Rice remains cautious, acknowledging the historical resilience of Real Madrid in this competition. "Even if we're 3-0 up, the individual quality they have is scary," he noted, emphasizing the need for focus and determination in the upcoming match.

This memorable performance not only signifies a personal milestone for Rice but also positions Arsenal favorably in their quest for Champions League glory, marking a potential turning point for the team in their European campaign.