UCL: Declan Rice Dominates Real Madrid to Claim Back-to-Back "Man of the Match" Awards

Declan Rice delivered two masterclass performances in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final victory over Real Madrid, earning the "Man of the Match" title in both legs. The midfielder showcased his brilliance and leadership, playing a pivotal role in the Gunners’ triumph over the reigning European champions.

The first leg at the Emirates Stadium was marked by Rice’s brilliance as he scored two spectacular free-kick goals. His first was a perfectly curled strike that left Thibaut Courtois helpless, followed by another stunning set-piece that found the top corner just 12 minutes later. These moments of magic helped secure a 3-0 victory, with Mikel Merino adding a third goal to round off a dominant Arsenal performance.

In the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Rice once again demonstrated his composure and tactical intelligence. Despite Real Madrid’s efforts to overturn the deficit, Rice’s defensive contributions and ability to control the game’s tempo ensured Arsenal maintained their advantage. His performance was instrumental in securing a draw that saw Arsenal advance to the semi-finals.