When Declan Rice saw how Micah Richards responded to the first of his two incredible free kicks during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night, he burst into laughter. The Gunners put on what was likely their best Champions League performance ever at the Emirates Stadium, easily defeating the defending European champions. In the 58th minute, Rice broke the tie with a beautiful free kick that curled past Real Madrid’s four-man wall and beat perhaps the greatest custodian in histo
“I don’t know whether it will ever sink in,” Player of the Match Rice told Amazon Prime after the game. “I’ve gone back to my phone then and it’s gone crazy. To score my first free-kick in a game is a special one. And then when I got the second one… I just had the confidence. I’m speechless really. I don’t think it’s going to hit me, what I’ve done tonight. It’s a historic night.”
Rice also described it as “the best moment” of his career so far. He added: “Two free-kicks against Real Madrid. Quarter-finals at home. I can’t ask for much more.”
Rice Amused by Richards’ Reaction
Pundit’s reaction was captured by CBS Sports
After the game, CBS Sports was able to speak with Rice, the hero of the hour for Arsenal. Rice stood next to Arsenal great Thierry Henry and observed how young Gunners supporter Micah Richards responded to his first free kick. The midfielder couldn’t stop laughing. Watch the amusing video below:
And Declan, what a man! Richards said, “I love you so much,” to Arsenal’s number 41. In response, Rice said, “Thank you. We can’t really ask for more because you made it happen!
Rice will now be well aware that defeating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the second leg will require him and his teammates to maintain total focus. The Gunners will play either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain in the last four if they make it that far.
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