Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal pulled off a remarkable feat with their impressive 3-0 victory over Real Madrid, as Declan Rice’s stunning free-kicks left the Champions League holders reeling.
Rice played a pivotal role in what could be one of the most significant results in Arsenal’s illustrious history, netting two sensational free-kicks during the second half of the quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Mikel Merino added the third goal for Arteta’s team, placing them tantalisingly close to reaching their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.
It was a monumental moment for England’s Rice, who had gone 338 matches without scoring a free-kick in his career before unleashing his first thunderous shot past Real keeper Thibaut Courtois.
Interestingly, Arsenal had not found the back of the net from a direct set-piece in nearly four years, with their last goal in that manner coming from Martin Odegaard against Burnley back in September 2021.
Gunners captain Odegaard couldn’t believe his eyes as Rice completed his stunning set-piece brace, while Arteta shared in the shock.
“Declan has been incredibly determined because we’ve noted over the last few months that we hadn’t scored a direct free-kick in three-and-a-half years,” the Arsenal manager remarked.
“So, to score two goals of such significance and quality in just 12 minutes from a player who had never found the net from a free-kick before—what are the odds?
“If anyone can strike it so cleanly, it’s Declan. But executing it at the highest level against one of the finest goalkeepers in the world is simply remarkable.“
This result was a significant relief for Arsenal, who have faced a turbulent season, struggling to keep pace with Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
The north London club finds itself 11 points adrift of Liverpool, leaving the Champions League as their last opportunity to clinch a trophy this season, their first since the 2020 FA Cup.
Few would have anticipated them overcoming the 15-time European champions Real Madrid prior to the first leg.
However, Arsenal now heads to the Bernabeu for the return match next week as the clear favourites to advance to a semi-final showdown with either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa.
‘Magic moments’
“It was beautiful. I’m so proud of the team. I’ve never seen the stadium like that,” Arteta expressed.
“For grand European nights, you need the majestic stadiums that create an incredible atmosphere, and individual magic moments, and there you have it. That’s the essence of what makes this sport so special.“
Arsenal famously eliminated Real in the round of 16 on their way to their only Champions League final appearance in 2006.
Repeating that journey to the final and claiming the trophy for the first time would silence any doubts regarding Arteta, who has faced scrutiny at various points during an inconsistent campaign.
However, the Spaniard, whose team has squandered significant leads in the title race over the past two seasons, is not taking victory for granted against Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded roster.
“When you’ve not faced this team for the last 20 years and haven’t had a real run in this competition, you must be ready to carve out your own narrative, and it’s on nights like this where you can do just that. We achieved that, but there’s so much more we can give,” he said.
“This is another step in the right direction for the team. But we need to replicate what we’ve done tonight in Madrid. That will represent another significant step.
“I will savour this victory because we’ve earned it. But we must be even better in Madrid. We’re only midway through the tie; there’s still a lot to accomplish.“
For Real to stage an extraordinary comeback in the second leg, they will face the challenge of creating a new chapter in their illustrious European history.
The Spanish giants have never reversed a three-goal deficit from a first leg in the Champions League, but Ancelotti is still optimistic about their chances.
“There’s always a first time. The only thing we can do together is to try. The comeback starts now,” Ancelotti stated.
“While the odds are low, we must give our all and seize the opportunity to showcase our game.“
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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