Declan Rice explained how he scored the two stunning free-kick strikes against Real Madrid.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice provided some insights into his two free-kick goals that helped the Gunners down Madrid and secure a big first-leg advantage.
Mikel Arteta's side cruised to a 3-0 victory against the most dominant side in the competition's history, thanks to two sublime free-kick attempts from Rice and another goal from Merino.
What Rice said
The England international's first free-kick goal was a pristine attempt, as he effortlessly curled the ball around the wall and Thibaut Courtois.
Arsenal's set piece coach, Nicolas Jover, was seen gesturing a curling movement with his hands, and while it was initially speculated that the routine was drawn up by him, Rice revealed that was not the case.
The former Westham man explained that the coach wanted him to cross instead, and his jersey was for a delivery rather than a direct attempt. "He's claiming for it but he's told me to cross," Rice said about Jover's animated celebration.
His second free-kick was the more emphatic strike, as he somehow found the topmost corner without the ball grazing the post, making it an impossible reach for the outstretched Courtois.
"It looks far out; you don't even realise. Do you know what. We were going to touch and set it. Me and Martin [Odegaard]. But Mbappe was kind of stuck too close."
"But then I thought, I've got the keeper's side; I practice this so much; I was going to go for it. I had the confidence from the first one. If it went over the bar, it wouldn't matter.
He then spoke about the elation he was feeling after contributing so immensely to such a big game.
"I don't think it's going to hit me what I've done tonight. It's a historical night, and to score two goals against Real Madrid. We want to win this competition. But we have to take it one game at a time."
"Even at West Ham and ever since I've been here, everyone's been telling me to shoot more. It's these little things and you've got to be in that mindset to score goals. I do have the ability to do it, but it's a confidence thing. I don't think I'll sleep tonight. I'm delighted."
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