As Arsenal’s set-piece specialist, Nicolas Jover has played a crucial role in the team’s increased success from dead-ball situations. Despite this, he cannot claim credit for Declan Rice’s two exceptional free kicks against Real Madrid. Rice expertly curled the ball around the defensive wall to give Arsenal the lead and then followed up by sending another free kick into the top corner, sealing a 3-0 victory over Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
Though Jover is recognized for transforming Arsenal into set-piece maestros in the Premier League, Rice confessed that he defied Jover’s plan during these pivotal moments. “We were poised to cross the ball to the back post,” Rice said of his first goal, explaining Jover’s hand gesture from the technical area when Rice and Bukayo Saka were preparing for the free kick. “He wanted a reverse cross, but standing next to Bukayo, I felt that crossing wasn’t the right move.”
Rice recounted evaluating the wall, along with Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and identifying a perfect spot for a right-footed shot. Encouraged by Saka, who said, “If you feel it, take it,” Rice decided to seize the opportunity. He added, “If you don’t take the risk, you don’t score.” Notably, this was Rice’s first-ever direct free-kick goal after 338 professional matches.
Arsenal, known for intentional direct free-kick goals, last saw such a strike in September 2021 when Martin Odegaard scored against Burnley. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed surprise and delight, stating, “It’s been a long time. To score two goals in 12 minutes, of that quality, from the same player—especially one who’s never scored a free kick before in his career… What are the odds?”
This triumph brings Arsenal close to reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2009. The second leg is set to take place in Madrid next week.
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