Rice's Free-Kicks Propel Arsenal to First Leg Victory Over Madrid in Champions League Quarterfinals

London (The Uttam Hindu): Arsenal produced a dominant 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, thanks to two brilliant free-kicks by Declan Rice and a clinical finish from Mikel Merino. Arsenal quickly asserted control in the match, creating early chances in the 13th minute. Rice had a shot blocked by Raul Asencio, and Thibaut Courtois made a vital save to deny Thomas Partey’s low effort. As the game progressed, both teams ramped up the pressure, and goalkeepers on both ends were kept busy. David Raya made a crucial stop from Kylian Mbappé at close range, while Courtois pulled off a stunning double save to keep out a header from Rice and a follow-up shot from Gabriel Martinelli.

Despite both goalkeepers being in fine form, it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. After being denied twice by Courtois in the first half, Rice unleashed a powerful free-kick that curled inside the post, leaving the Madrid goalkeeper with no chance. Arsenal continued to press, and after four quick attempts were blocked, Rice again stood up to take another free-kick in the 70th minute. This time, he sent a sublime strike into the far right corner to double Arsenal's lead. Mikel Merino then sealed the victory in the 75th minute, finishing expertly from a Myles Lewis-Skelly assist. Reflecting on his performance, Rice said, “I just had the confidence to hit it [the second free-kick]. It hasn’t hit me yet because there's still the second leg to go, but I’m over the moon. In a few years, I think I’ll realize how special tonight was.”

In a final blow to Madrid’s hopes, Eduardo Camavinga was shown a second yellow card in the fourth minute of added time, leaving the visitors with 10 men. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the team’s collective performance, saying, “This night was not just about the result but also about the atmosphere we created from the very start. It’s about magic individual moments, and Declan’s two goals really summed up the night.” Arsenal heads into the second leg with a commanding advantage, while Madrid faces an uphill battle at home.