On a night when all eyes were on Kylian Mbappe to deliver the magic, it was Declan Rice who stole the show.
The Emirates Stadium roared with disbelief and delight as Rice netted not one, but two stunning free-kicks in just 12 minutes, helping Arsenal secure a 3-0 first-leg win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
And if that wasn’t enough drama, cameras caught Mbappe reacting in sheer shock—his expression said it all.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. But it did. And Rice owned it.
Mbappe Fades as Rice Rises
While Mbappe, typically the headline-maker, struggled to get into gear and looked like a shadow of himself, Rice was all fire and focus.
The French star barely got a touch, while the England midfielder delivered two set-piece goals that had fans—and pundits—scratching their heads in amazement.
In a twist of irony, these were Rice’s first-ever free-kick goals in his professional career. Talk about picking your moment.
Fan’s Shout Becomes Prophetic Moment
Just before Rice lined up for his first strike, one optimistic fan’s voice rang out over the commentary mics: “Smash it, Declan!” And boy, did he ever.
Even Alan Shearer couldn’t help but marvel at the technique.
“A bit of finesse, a bit of curl, what a strike,” he said on Amazon Prime. “Keeper no chance. Absolutely magnificent.”
The goal wasn’t just technically perfect—it was electric. The Emirates crowd erupted, their chants shaking the stadium as Rice’s confidence surged.
Arsenal Add a Third to Seal Dream Night
As if the two free-kicks weren’t enough, Mikel Merino added a third goal to cap off the night.
For a team riddled with injuries and doubts before the match, Arsenal looked every bit like Champions League contenders—something no one could have confidently predicted before kickoff.
Arsenal Take a Giant Step Toward European Glory
This win doesn’t just put Arsenal in the driver’s seat—it also sends a loud message across Europe: This team means business
But as manager Mikel Arteta knows too well, the job isn’t done yet.
With the second leg looming at the iconic Bernabeu next Wednesday, Arsenal will need to hold their nerve against a Madrid side known for comebacks and magic on home soil.
Still, the Gunners are dreaming, and after a performance like this, maybe they should be.