Declan Rice reveals teammate inspired him to take free-kicks that stunned Real Madrid
Declan Rice of Arsenal scores his team's first goal from a free kick as Jude Bellingham, Antonio Ruediger, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde of Real Madrid jump in a defensive wall during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2025 (Getty Images)
Declan Rice scored two free-kicks in Arsenal's 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg win against Real Madrid.
Rice revealed Bukayo Saka encouraged him to take the free-kicks, leading to his first senior-level goals from direct free-kicks.
Arsenal took control of the quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium, with Rice's goals and a third from Mikel Merino.
Rice initially planned to cross the first free-kick but saw an opportunity to shoot after Saka's advice.
Despite the victory, Rice emphasised the importance of being prepared for the second leg at the Bernabeu.