Mikel Arteta’s reaction to Declan Rice moment speaks volumes as Arsenal thrash Real Madrid

Declan Rice scored two brilliant free-kicks to put Arsenal in firm control of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, with Mikel Arteta left delighted with the midfielder

Mikel Arteta was left in disbelief after Declan Rice scored two stunning free-kicks to help Arsenal thump Real Madrid 3-0. The Gunners hosted Los Blancos on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Both sides had numerous chances but the tie remained level at 0-0 heading into the 58th minute. Rice then stepped up to deliver a brilliant free-kick, bending his shot around the Madrid wall and into the net to put Arsenal ahead.

He then stepped up again with 20 minutes to go and somehow managed to better his first strike. This time, he hit the ball across the wall, firing into the opposite top corner, with Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois left helplessly diving.

Rice celebrated by jumping on the advertising hoardings to soak in the adulation of the crowd. The Amazon Prime cameras then showed a replay of Arteta’s reaction on the sideline.

The Gunners boss first raised his fists in celebration before turning around and holding his arms around his head in disbelief. Arteta was then gathered in by his backroom staff as they celebrated.

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Captain Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber could also be spotted with their hands on their heads in the aftermath of the goal. Mikel Merino would quickly put Arsenal three goals up to help them take firm control of the quarter-final clash.

Rice was forced off through injury with 10 minutes to go, with Kieran Tierney replacing him. The England international was hailed for his man of the match performance by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

“You thought the first one was impressive? Goodness me. The accuracy, the power, the bend and the control on it. Thibaut Courtois left a big gap because he thought he was going to go over the wall. It just sensational. Courtois is nowhere near it,” he told Amazon Prime.

“It is absolutely incredible. If you take away Declan Rice’s two goals his performance back to front has been so impressive – his tackling, his driving forward with the ball.

“What a position Arsenal have put themselves in now. They have been so, so impressive in this second half. They have done everything right. They have been sensational and they deserve to be in this position.”

Former England defender Matt Upson was also left in disbelief at Rice’s efforts, with his first goal being the first direct free-kick he has ever scored in his career.

“Unbelievable. I don’t think anyone expected that to happen. Why not? Because the first one was an absolute screamer and you think he can’t beat that,” Upson told BBC Sport.

“This free kick is absolutely superb. It has bend. It has power. Question marks over the wall from Real Madrid, but it is such a lovely free kick hit right into the postage stamp. What a brilliant double free kick special from Declan Rice.”

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