Declan Rice etched his name into UEFA Champions League history on April 8, 2025, by becoming the first player to score two direct free kicks in a knockout stage match.
The England international delivered a sensational performance at the Emirates Stadium, leading Arsenal to a commanding 3-0 victory over reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg.
In what was a bold decision, Rice took responsibility for both free kicks despite not having scored from a direct set piece in over 300 senior appearances. With set-piece coach Nicolas Jover and captain Martin Ødegaard initially lined up to guide the plays, Rice stepped in decisively—and spectacularly delivered.
His first effort came in the 58th minute, bending a precise shot around the Madrid wall and into the near post, beyond the reach of Thibaut Courtois. Just twelve minutes later, he produced an even more remarkable strike, curling the ball into the top corner to double Arsenal’s lead.
Mikel Merino added a third goal in the 75th minute to cap off a dominant performance for the Gunners, giving them a strong advantage ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
This milestone performance not only strengthens Arsenal's hopes of reaching their first Champions League semi-final since 2009 but also cements Declan Rice's place in the competition’s record books.
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