Declan Rice Enjoyed Micah Richards’ Response to His Arsenal Free-Kick Against Real Madrid

Declan Rice Couldn’t Stop Laughing at Micah Richards’ Reaction to His Arsenal Free-Kick Against Real Madrid

Declan Rice was in stitches after seeing Micah Richards’ reaction to the first of his two sensational free-kicks during Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night. The Gunners delivered one of their most outstanding Champions League performances at the Emirates Stadium, convincingly defeating the reigning European champions.

Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a breathtaking free-kick, curling the ball past Real Madrid’s four-man wall and leaving world-class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois helpless. Brimming with confidence, the £100 million England international struck another flawless free-kick into the top corner just 12 minutes later.

“I don’t think it will ever sink in,” Rice told Amazon Prime after being named Player of the Match. “I checked my phone, and it’s gone crazy. Scoring my first free-kick in a match is special. Then to get a second… I just felt confident. I’m honestly speechless. I don’t think I’ll fully grasp what I did tonight. It’s a historic moment.”

Rice described the night as the highlight of his career so far. “Two free-kicks against Real Madrid. Quarter-finals at home. It doesn’t get much better than this,” he added.

Mikel Merino sealed Arsenal’s commanding win with a third goal in the 75th minute, wrapping up a perfect night for the north London side. The Gunners head to the Bernabeu next week with a significant advantage but won’t underestimate 15-time champions Real Madrid, who have a storied history in Europe’s top competition.

Rice Amused by Richards’ Reaction

CBS Sports caught up with Rice after the match, where he stood alongside Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to watch Micah Richards’ reaction to his first free-kick. Seeing the former defender’s animated response left Rice in fits of laughter.

“Declan, what a guy! I love you so much,” Richards enthusiastically told Arsenal’s No. 41. Rice, clearly amused, replied: “I appreciate that. You manifested it, and it happened—so we can’t ask for much more!”

With the second leg looming, Rice and his teammates know they must stay fully focused to secure their place in the semi-finals. If they progress, they’ll face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the final four.