A masterclass Declan Rice performance sees Arsenal all but knock out the current holders of the Champions League title, Real Madrid.
The Three Lions’ midfielder scored two stunning free-kick goals in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League at the Emirates stadium.
Real Madrid came close to opening the lead twice in the first-half. First Kylian Mbappe was whiskers away from hitting the back of the net despite being suspected to be in an offside position before having his next attempt saved by David Raya.
Rice bagged the first of his brace in the 58th minute, superbly curling the ball around the human wall of Real Madrid and then past Thibaut Courtois.
His second was hit with the same absolute precision twelve minutes later to send the North Londoners in a dream 2-0 lead. Spain international Mikel Merino sealed the win by expertly striking from the edge of the penalty box.
With this morale-breaking loss, Carlo Ancelotti and his Los Blancos would have to come up with an extraordinary comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg.
