Arteta hails Rice's free-kick magic

LONDON: Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal defied the odds with their stunning 3-0 win against Real Madrid as Declan Rice's free-kick magic left the Champions League hopefuls in disarray.

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Rice inspired three of the greatest results in Arsenal's storied history with two blistering free-kicks in the second half of the quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Mikel Merlno scored the third goal for Arsenal side as they moved within touching distance of a first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009.

It was an incredible moment for England midfielder Rice, who had never scored a free kick in his career — a period spanning 338 previous matches — before the first of his thunderbolts flashed past Real keeper Thibaut Courtois.

Arsenal had also failed to find the net from a direct set-piece in almost four years, with their last coming via Martin Odegaard against Burnley in September 2021.

Gunners captain Odegaard put his hands on his head in disbelief when Rice completed his set-piece double, while Arteta was equally surprised.

"Declan's been very determined because we have said in the last few months that we have not scored a direct free-kick in three-and-a-half years," the Arsenal manager said.

"So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of the magnitude and of that quality from the player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career, what are the odds?