Declan Rice Reflects on Scoring Historic Free-Kick Brace Against Real Madrid

• Apr 09, 2025

Declan Rice has made history after scoring two stunning free-kicks in Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League quarter-final victory over Real Madrid on April 8, 2025. Before the match, Rice had never scored a free-kick in his professional career, but by the end of the night, he had netted two remarkable goals.

The game was tied 0-0 when Rice stepped up to take the first free-kick in the 58th minute. From a difficult angle, he curled the ball past Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, giving Arsenal the lead. Just 12 minutes later, Rice struck again, this time with a sensational curling shot into the top corner. His second goal made him the first player in Champions League knockout history to score two free-kicks in one match.

Speaking after the game, Rice was still in disbelief. “I don’t know whether it will ever sink in,” he told Amazon Prime. “To score my first free-kick in a game is special, and then to get a second… I’m speechless.” Rice described the night as “historic” and said he felt a rush of confidence after his first goal.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, praised Rice’s performance, highlighting the significance of the goals. “We haven’t scored a direct free-kick since 2021, so to score two in 13 minutes shows the beauty of the sport,” Arteta said. Rice took both free-kicks himself after recognizing a gap in the Real Madrid wall. He explained that, despite suggestions to cross the ball, he felt it made more sense to go for the shot himself. “I’m happy I took it because it was magic,” he said.

Rice’s free-kicks left fans and commentators in awe. Alan Shearer called his second goal “absolutely incredible,” and former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf claimed “not even Superman” could have stopped it. Rice reflected on his preparation, saying he had practiced free-kicks many times and was confident heading into the match.

For Rice, this was a career-defining moment, but his teammates were not surprised. “If there’s a player who can do it, it’s Declan,” Arteta said. Mikel Merino, who scored Arsenal’s third goal, added that Rice has “one of the best shooting abilities” he’s seen.

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson described the performance as “a night to remember,” adding that Rice “single-handedly made the difference.” Rice’s historic brace will surely be remembered as one of the standout moments of the Champions League season.