Asked about his wildest dreams, did you ever think that this could happen? Mikel Arteta replied, “Yes, I did,” as Arsenal delivered an outstanding performance, defeating 15-time Champions League kings Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Marked as a night that will go down in the history books of football, Declan Rice scored two second-half free-kick goals. The 26-year-old had never scored a direct free kick in his career.
Arteta told the media that the midfielder has been very determined to bring his best game on the field after a few months of talking. He put in the hard work and made it a reality by scoring two goals in the space of 12 minutes.
“We haven’t scored a direct free kick since September 2021. Burnley away, Martin Odegaard, so it’s been a long time. So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude of that quality from that same player. a player who has never scored a free kick before in his career.
I mean, what are the odds, but he did it tonight, and I’m a big believer.
“Mikel Merino also played his part in the 75th minute, scoring that goal that sealed and secured a victory for the Gunners in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says his team performed poorly and believes their confidence dropped after Rice scored his second goal. Usually, his side bounces back, but this time things went south as they also struggled physically.
“It’s been very difficult for us. We thought the team was strong coming into the game, and in the first half, we were organised. Then, after the two goals we conceded from free kicks, the team struggled mentally and physically.
“The level dropped. It was difficult, it was finishing the game in that way. Normally, this team raised their game towards the end of games, but it was disappointing and poor. We have to be critical of ourselves here and do everything we can next week to recover.”
Arsenal will travel to Santiago Bernabéu next Wednesday on April 16, for the second leg against Real Madrid. Asked if there is hope for his side to switch things around and get back into the game.
Ancelotti said: “The possibilities are quite low, but we have to try 100 per cent and do everything we can. It’s an opportunity to show a response to a pure game.”
