BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…
It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid, becoming the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.
Declan Rice’s free-kick broke the deadlock against Real Madrid[/caption]
He then bagged an even better second to double Arsenal’s advantage[/caption]
https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1909706469215191146
Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.
Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.
Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night. Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners.
David Raya – 7
Was lucky that Kylian Mbappe did not quite have his shooting boots on during the first half, but still had to stand tall and make it as tough as possible to find an angle, producing a diving stop just after the 30-minute mark.
Remarkably, was barely tested. One of his quieter evenings against the reigning European champions with one of the best attacks in the game.
Jurrien Timber – 7
A real mixed bag in the opening 45 minutes, not helped by a nasty late challenge from Mbappe on his left ankle that took him a while to shake off.
Some brilliant work down the right combining with Saka, but was dispossessed by Bellingham who fed Mbappe in behind that could have cost them.
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William Saliba – 9
Had the unenviable task of keeping his fellow countryman Mbappe quiet without his defensive partner Gabriel, and do so magnificently at times.
The Frenchman is slowly developing into one of the world’s very best defenders, proving it against the very team who want to pluck him away from North London this summer.
Jakub Kiwior – 7
A big night for the Pole and his first touch did not fill fans with confidence, letting a throw-in bobble over his foot and allowing Mbappe an early shot on goal.
Another iffy pass put William Saliba in all sorts of bother and Mbappe got in before the offside flag went up.
Lucky not to be booked for a late swipe at Luka Modric just before the break, but battled his way through.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 9
Is this kid genuinely only 18? Check his passport, someone? On such a big occasion he was unflappable, drifting into midfield, finding space and losing his markers on the ball with ease.
One or two scary moments early on, but that’s the package with Lewis-Skelly right now, as well as being very fun to watch.
Thomas Partey – 8
A real calming influence in the first half with some neat turns and nice carries as well as a few crucial interceptions to defuse any Madrid counters.
On top of that, he forced Courtois into a decent stop with a low driving effort.
Declan Rice – 11
https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1909704672798982542
The England stars kick bent outside the posts before curling inside the post[/caption]
Roberto Carlos eat your heart out. That’s how you score a free-kick. I’ve never heard a noise like it in this stadium and it was fully deserved. To do it once was epic. To do it twice was just outrageous.
Rice will have been frustrated not to have scored in the first half, only to score one of the best goals of his career in the second half.
At his galloping marauding best on and off the ball, getting forward as often and as quickly as possible with Thomas Partey shoring things up. This is the Rice we love to see, and should have got on the scoresheet.
Came close to a first half close-range flick that was well blocked. His brilliant header was then palmed away by Courtois.
Martin Odegaard – 8
A pressing machine. The Duracell Bunny has nothing on this man.
The constant heartbeat of Arsenal’s shape and structure, while showcasing some neat bits of magic on the ball in Madrid territory.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Had his heart in his mouth when his undershot back pass inside five minutes saw Vinicius Jr race clear, thankfully unpunished.
In attack however, it has not taken him long to shake off the rust from his three-month lay-off.
Left Jude Bellingham for dead down the right and his ball across should have been tapped in, and almost did the same up against David Alaba soon after.
Was kicked about a lot so no surprise he got taken off with the game done and dusted.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Largely quiet and struggled to get the better of Federico Valverde aside from the odd surging drive. His only real chance where he came alive was a rebound from a tight angle that was straight at Courtois.
Still, he played his part, ran his socks off, even switching to the right wing when Saka was subbed off.
Mikel Merino – 9
https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1909708443813847089
Worked hard off the ball, dropping deep to provide space for his teammates to run in behind and led the line well, albeit without any real chance to seriously worry Courtois in the first half.
The shackles were off later on. Should have found the net twice in the space of two seconds from six yards but made up for it with a stonking first-time curler that sent this place into orbit.
Subs
Trossard (for Saka, 74 mins) – 6
Went up front and gave Arsenal some energy when tired legs were creeping in.