Declan Rice turned in a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Emirates Stadium, to set up an unforgettable win over European champions Real Madrid.
He became the first player in history to score two free-kicks in the same Champions League knockout stage game – and each of them was a collector’s item.
The first, a good 10 yards outside the box, was bent round the wall with bags of curl and power, giving Thibaut Courtois no chance. His second – just 12 minutes later – might have been even better. This time he slammed it perfectly into the top corner to double our lead.
They were also the first free-kicks he’d ever scored in his professional career. Little surprise then, that he was still trying to put it all into words at the final whistle.
“I’m speechless, this has never happened to me before!” a beaming Declan said after the game. “This is the quarter-final and we know how much this night meant. It’s a real historic night for the club. I’m so happy.
“They [his free-kicks] were really good. To be honest with you, I’m not used to all of this praise and media and just people saying how good the free-kicks were! I’ve seen them back a few times now but I think I’ll be up watching it all night. It’s an incredible moment, I can’t believe it.
Read more
Highlights: Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid
“As soon as I hit the first one and it went in, I thought ‘that’s my first ever free kick!’ And then I just had the confidence over the second one. I just thought, ‘why not? What have I got to lose?’ I was going to go over the wall and I thought: ‘I’ve got the keeper’s side, on a good one.’ I’ve been practising that a lot.
“So, yeah, two went in and they’re just magic moments. They’re going to stay with me forever.”
Read more
Arteta: Supporters’ noise made for a magical night
Our midfielder also praised our supporters for the rapturous atmosphere created inside the stadium.
“Credit to the fans, they were unbelievable tonight,” he added. “From the moment we turned up in the stadium to the kick off and to the 90th minute, they were outstanding and we’re going to need everyone at the Bernabeu next week because it’s going to be a massive night for us.
“This is probably up there with the best moment in my career in terms of the goals I’ve scored. I think the free kick is probably the best goal I’ve scored. I think winning next week would probably top that, by going into the semi-final and producing something special for this club.”
