Arsenal shocked the whole world last night as they embarrassed 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium
Declan Rice scored two world-class free kicks before Mikel Merino slapped home the third to put Arsenal’s leg firmly in the semifinals of this season’s Champions League.
After an amazing knock-out performance against one of the favorites for to win the Champions League this season, Arsenal look like a side that now understands the level of quality, concentration and discipline needed to win a competition like the Champions League.
Declan Rice’s Moments Of Pure Quality
To win the Champions League, you must have many ways of surprising your opponents, and Arsenal did exactly that against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Real Madrid would have anticipated Arsenal’s threat via set pieces (in-direct set pieces), and they would have prepared for it, However, Rice’s decision to strike the free kick direct instead of crossing it highlights a moment of pure improvisation and elite level quality that stunned their opponents. Fortunately for the Gunners, Rice was able to replicate the trick to give his side even more leverage.
Declan Rice’s free kick opened the game up for Arsenal. The Gunners would not let go after the first goal, and they eventually got two more.
The composure, the grit, the determination to make things count when they had the momentum is what made the difference on Tuesday and that is exactly what will carry them to UEFA Champions League glory.
The Gunners boast of one of the strongest defenses in Europe, and that is important for any side looking to win a knockout tournament. However, when you add moments of individual quality like Declan Rice had against Real Madrid, it is easy to see why this could be Arsenal’s year in the Champions League.
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