Declan Rice determined to lead Arsenal to Champions League glory after Real Madrid win

Midfield star shines with two free-kick goals as Arsenal dominate quarter-final first leg.

Declan Rice, central midfielder for Arsenal and England, in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Arsenal Stadium on April 8, 2025, in London, England. Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Declan Rice determined to lead Arsenal to Champions League glory after Real Madrid win is now the central narrative driving the Gunners’ European dream. In a stunning display at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday WIB, Rice led his side to a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. The English midfielder produced a sensational performance, scoring two free-kick goals and setting the tone for what could be a historic campaign.

In front of a roaring North London crowd, Rice’s precision and composure under pressure lifted Arsenal to new heights. Speaking to AFP after the match, Rice was quick to manage expectations but didn’t shy away from expressing his desire to make history.

"I'm not going to get carried away now because there's another game to go. The Bernabeu, what it's like to play there. We have to be ready," Rice said, displaying the maturity and focus that has come to define his game.

"We want to win this competition. However, we have to take it one game at a time," he added, reinforcing his belief that Arsenal must stay grounded despite the emphatic result.

A night of brilliance at the Emirates

The Champions League quarter-final was billed as a true test of Arsenal's credentials, and they delivered. Real Madrid, known for their dominance in Europe’s elite competition, were caught off-guard by Arsenal’s intensity and technical superiority. But it was Rice who stole the spotlight.

With the scoreline still level going into the second half, Rice stepped up to a set-piece situation—a role not traditionally associated with his name. The first of his free-kick goals came in the 58th minute, swerving past the outstretched arms of Thibaut Courtois and crashing into the top corner. It was a moment of magic, one that seemed to inspire the team and energize the crowd.

Ten minutes later, Rice did it again. This time with more confidence, he curled the ball beautifully over the wall, leaving Courtois rooted to the spot. The Emirates erupted. Two goals from the England international had stunned Madrid and solidified Arsenal’s dominance on the night.

A third goal followed in the 81st minute, with Mikel Merino sealing the result after a slick passing sequence tore through the Spanish side's defense. Arsenal, with one foot in the semifinals, were not just winning—they were making a statement.

Declan Rice: from defensive anchor to attacking catalyst

Throughout his time at West Ham United, Declan Rice was widely recognized as a defensive midfielder—a shield in front of the backline. His role was focused on breaking up play, recycling possession, and leading from deep. However, under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Rice has been evolving.

More often now, he is deployed further up the pitch, given license to roam forward and contribute to the attack. It’s a transformation that suits him, as seen in this match against Real Madrid.

When asked about his newfound success with free kicks, Rice admitted the goals had been a long time coming.

"It was in the cupboard but I was hitting the wall too often or going over the crossbar," he said with a grin, reflecting on years of practice.

"We were going to go through it, then I saw the wall and the goalkeeper's position. So I thought, just go for it," he explained about his first goal.

"The second goal, I felt confident. I did it. I'm happy, I'm happy, I'm very happy. But in a few years, I'll really realise that what I did tonight was really special," Rice added.

Eyes on the prize but feet on the ground

As the celebrations settled, Rice and his teammates were already looking ahead to the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Arsenal’s history in the Champions League is thin when it comes to trophies—they’ve never won it. But this group, led by a tactically sharp manager and driven leaders like Rice, appears ready to change that.

For Rice, the Champions League is not just another competition. It’s the next stage in his evolution as a player and a leader.

"To play against Madrid, to score, and to win like this—it means the world," he said. "But this is only one part of the job. We have to go to Madrid and finish it."

His sentiments were echoed by manager Mikel Arteta, who praised Rice’s growth and leadership on the pitch.

"Declan is evolving into one of the most complete midfielders in the world," Arteta told reporters after the match. "He’s got everything—defensive awareness, technical skill, and now, the confidence to impact games offensively."

A dream within reach

The narrative surrounding Arsenal has changed. Once seen as a promising but inexperienced side, they now look like legitimate contenders for Europe’s most prestigious trophy. And at the heart of that transformation is Declan Rice.

This season alone, Rice has scored seven goals across all competitions—a career-high for him. With his double against Real Madrid, he not only pushed Arsenal toward a historic semifinal but also redefined his role in the footballing world.

Fans are beginning to dream, and the players seem to believe it too. Still, Rice insists on maintaining focus and professionalism.

"I don’t want to get carried away. We have the Bernabeu next, and we all know what Madrid can do," he said. "But we believe. We believe in each other, in our style, and in our desire to win this competition."

As Arsenal prepare for the second leg, one thing is clear: Declan Rice determined to lead Arsenal to Champions League glory after Real Madrid win is no longer just a headline. It’s a mission. And with each game, that mission inches closer to reality.