Declan Rice enjoyed Micah Richards’ reaction to his free-kick for Arsenal against Real Madrid.

Declan Rice Amused by Micah Richards’ Reaction to His Arsenal Free-Kick vs Real Madrid

Declan Rice couldn’t stop laughing after seeing Micah Richards’ reaction to the first of his two stunning free-kicks during Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night. The Gunners delivered one of their most impressive Champions League performances ever at the Emirates Stadium, overpowering the reigning European champions in style.

Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a brilliantly curled free-kick that sailed past Real Madrid’s defensive wall and beat Thibaut Courtois, one of the world’s top goalkeepers. Brimming with confidence, the £100 million England international struck another flawless free-kick into the top corner just 12 minutes later.

Reflecting on the historic night, Rice, who was named Player of the Match, told Amazon Prime: “I don’t know whether it will ever sink in. I’ve just checked my phone, and it’s gone crazy. Scoring my first free-kick in a game is special, and then to get a second one… I just had the confidence. I’m speechless. I don’t think I’ll fully grasp what I’ve done tonight. It’s historic.”

Calling it the “best moment” of his career so far, he added: “Two free-kicks against Real Madrid, quarter-finals at home—I couldn’t ask for more.”

Mikel Merino sealed Arsenal’s emphatic win with a third goal in the 75th minute, putting the Gunners in a commanding position heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu. However, given Real Madrid’s formidable history in the Champions League, Arsenal won’t be taking their three-goal advantage lightly.

Rice in Stitches Over Richards’ Reaction

After the match, CBS Sports captured Rice’s reaction as he watched Richards’ animated response to his first free-kick. Standing alongside Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Rice couldn’t help but laugh at the pundit’s excitement.

“Declan, what a guy! I love you so much,” Richards exclaimed. Rice replied with a smile, “I appreciate that. You manifested it, and it happened—so we can’t ask for much more!”

Now, with their focus shifting to the second leg at the Bernabeu, Rice and his teammates know they must stay sharp to secure a place in the semi-finals, where they could face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa.