The Emirates Stadium erupted in disbelief as Declan Rice, not known for his set-piece prowess, curled not one but two breathtaking free-kicks past Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois to propel Arsenal to a sensational 3-1 victory in their Champions League quarter-final first leg. But the most surprising revelation came after the match, when Rice disclosed that it was Bukayo Saka—Arsenal’s usual dead-ball specialist—who had given him the crucial advice that made the difference.
With the tie finely balanced after Vinícius Júnior’s early opener for Madrid, Arsenal needed inspiration from somewhere unexpected. Martin Ødegaard, the usual orchestrator, was tightly marked. Saka, despite his usual threat, found himself double-teamed by Ferland Mendy and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Then, in the 38th minute, Arsenal won a free-kick just outside the box—a position from which Saka has scored multiple times this season.
But instead of the England winger stepping up, Rice placed the ball down. The decision raised eyebrows, but what followed was pure magic—a whipped, dipping strike that left Courtois rooted as it nestled into the top corner. The stadium exploded, and Rice’s stunned celebration said it all.
Just 10 minutes later, he did it again. Another foul, another free-kick in a near-identical position. This time, Courtois guessed right, but the power and precision were too much. Arsenal led 2-1, and Rice, a midfielder more renowned for his tackling and passing range than his set-piece brilliance, had single-handedly turned the game on its head.
After the match, Rice revealed the secret behind his sudden free-kick mastery. *”I’ve been practicing in training, but Bukayo’s the expert,”* he admitted. *”Before the first one, he just pulled me aside and said, ‘Trust yourself, but hit it with more curve—Courtois expects power.’ That little bit of advice made all the difference.”*
Saka, who later added Arsenal’s third with a clinical finish, played down his role. *”Dec’s got it in his locker—I just reminded him to trust his technique. The rest was all him.”*
The moment highlighted the camaraderie and tactical intelligence within Mikel Arteta’s squad. Opponents often focus on stopping Saka from taking set-pieces, but Arsenal’s willingness to vary their threats—Rice’s surprise double proving decisive—shows a team evolving into genuine Champions League contenders.
For Carlo Ancelotti’s side, this was a night of rare defensive lapses. Madrid had taken an early lead through Vinícius, capitalizing on a rare William Saliba mistake, but their usual composure vanished after Rice’s first strike.
The decision to leave Rice unmarked on the edge of the box for the second free-kick was particularly puzzling. *”We knew he wasn’t their usual taker, but we still should have been more prepared,”* admitted defender Antonio Rüdiger.
Ancelotti was blunt in his assessment: *”Set-pieces decided the game. We cannot afford to switch off like that at this level.”* With the second leg at the Bernabéu looming, Madrid now face an uphill battle to avoid their earliest Champions League exit in five years.
When Arsenal signed Rice for a club-record £105 million last summer, the expectation was that he would solidify their midfield defensively. Few predicted he would become such an influential figure in attack.
His two goals against Madrid took his season tally to seven—his best-ever return—and showcased his growing confidence in an Arsenal shirt. *”Mikel has encouraged me to take more risks,”* Rice explained. *”At West Ham, I was more defensive, but here, he wants me to express myself.”*
Arteta’s faith in Rice’s development has been vindicated. The 25-year-old is no longer just a destroyer; he’s a complete midfielder, capable of dictating play, breaking lines, and now, apparently, delivering set-piece magic.
Arsenal’s 3-1 lead gives them a crucial advantage, but the tie is far from over. Madrid’s pedigree in the Champions League is unmatched, and the Bernabéu will be a cauldron of noise for the return leg.
However, the Gunners have shown they can handle the biggest stages this season. Their defensive solidity, combined with newfound attacking unpredictability—embodied by Rice’s surprise free-kick heroics—makes them a genuine threat to go all the way.
This was more than just a win; it was a declaration. Arsenal, so often criticized for crumbling in key moments under pressure, stood tall against the most decorated club in European history. Rice’s performance, fueled by Saka’s subtle guidance, epitomized the collective spirit Arteta has built.
For years, Arsenal’s Champions League campaigns have ended in disappointment. But this team, with its blend of youth, intelligence, and fearless mentality, feels different. If they can finish the job in Madrid, the belief that they can lift the trophy will grow stronger than ever.
Declan Rice’s name will dominate the headlines, but this victory was a testament to Arsenal’s unity. From Saka’s selfless advice to the defensive resilience after Saliba’s early error, every player contributed.
As the Gunners head to Madrid with a two-goal cushion, they do so with the knowledge that they’ve already achieved something special. But with Rice in this kind of form—and Saka whispering the right words at the right time—why stop here? The Champions League dream is alive, and Arsenal are no longer underdogs. They’re contenders.
