WATCH: Declan Rice stuns Real Madrid with two free-kick goals; mimics Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration

The match against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League was the first time Declan Rice has ever scored a direct free-kick in his professional career. Declan Rice curled in two free kicks that would have even Real Madrid's most renowned "galacticos" pleased, putting Arsenal on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League semifinals. 

Rice gave Arsenal the lead in the first leg of the quarterfinals at the Emirates Stadium by bending one free kick around the Madrid wall in the 58th minute and sending another into the top corner in the 70th. Five minutes later, Mikel Merino added a third goal to stun Real Madrid. He also scored a free-kick in front of Roberto Carlos Rice's incredible move which he made him the first player to score two goals in a Champions League knockout stage match from direct free kicks.

Watch the video here:

That goal from Declan Rice is just ridiculous😅pic.twitter.com/O5Az0nORXn https://t.co/oVcHaps1MM

— MC (@CrewsMat10) April 9, 2025

Following his second goal, Rice gave Cristiano Ronaldo the famous "I am here" celebration. This left Kylian Mbappe in awe after watching Declan Rice's free-kick goal twice. Rice's free kick versus Madrid also contributed to his season total of six goals and eight assists. Only four players in history have scored two straight free kicks in a Champions League match, including Rice.  

Declan Rice got standing ovation

The other three players on the distinguished list are Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Rivaldo. After receiving a standing ovation for his two incredible free kicks, he was eventually substituted off in the 81st minute. Bukayo Saka was the reason for getting two free kicks for Arsenal. Later he was also substituted by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. 

The teams had not played each other since 2006 when Arsenal defeated Madrid in the round of 16.  Arsenal has a good chance to get a place in the Semi-final as they are leading by 3-0 before the second leg takes place at San Bernabeu on April 16. It will be getting tough for Arsenal to play at Real Madrid home as in the Round of 16 they overcame the deficit against Atletico Madrid. Arsenal last played a semi-final in 2009.