On April 8, 2025, Arsenal delivered a stunning performance against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. The 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium was one of the most memorable matches in recent times, with Declan Rice playing a starring role. His two exquisite free-kicks were the highlights of the match, putting the Gunners in a commanding position before the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
However, it wasn’t just Rice’s technique or his ability to find the back of the net that made the performance so remarkable. It was the pivotal moment before his first goal when his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka gave him a simple yet incredibly powerful piece of advice: “If you feel it, go for it.” Those seven words, delivered in a crucial moment, proved to be the spark that ignited a series of events that would lead to Rice’s brace and a resounding Arsenal victory. This conversation between Saka and Rice encapsulates the confidence, trust, and understanding that defines the spirit of the current Arsenal team under manager Mikel Arteta
The Champions League quarter-finals are always high-stakes affairs, and the first leg of this particular match between Arsenal and Real Madrid was no exception. Arsenal, a team filled with youthful energy and a sense of purpose, faced a formidable opponent in Madrid, who had been dominant in European competition for years. Despite the weight of the occasion, Arsenal’s players were brimming with confidence, having made significant strides in both domestic and European football under Arteta’s stewardship.
The match kicked off under the floodlights of the Emirates, with both teams trying to assert themselves. Arsenal’s defensive resilience and fluid attacking play quickly became evident, but it was Declan Rice who would steal the spotlight. The 26-year-old midfielder had been a key player for the Gunners ever since his move from West Ham, but this match would elevate his reputation even further
In the 58th minute of the match, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, in a position that invited a direct shot at goal. It was a moment of immense pressure—one that could either lead to a crucial breakthrough or a missed opportunity. Rice, standing over the ball, had already shown his class in various set-piece situations throughout the season, but this was different. It wasn’t just any free-kick; this was a moment that could define the match and potentially the tie.
Before taking the shot, Rice took a brief glance at the wall and the goalkeeper, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who stood ready for what promised to be an intense battle. But before Rice could make his decision, he received those seven words from his teammate Bukayo Saka: “If you feel it, go for it.”
Those words carried weight beyond their simplicity. Saka, himself known for his composure and confidence on the ball, was telling Rice to trust his instincts, to seize the moment. In that instant, Rice felt the confidence surge through him, and he made the decision to go for the direct shot.
As te ball left his foot, it curled beautifully around the wall and out of Courtois’ reach, nestling into the top corner of the net. It was a moment of pure brilliance, and it sent the Arsenal supporters into a frenzy. The stadium erupted in jubilation, but perhaps more importantly, it was the beginning of a remarkable individual performance from Rice.
Just 12 minutes later, Rice would find himself standing over another free-kick in a similar position. This time, the stakes were even higher, as Arsenal were leading 1-0 and a second goal would put them in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Madrid. Despite the mounting pressure, Rice exuded an air of calm confidence.
“After the first one, I had nothing to lose,” Rice later admitted in an interview with Prime Video. The memory of his first goal gave him the belief that he could repeat the feat. However, the situation wasn’t exactly ideal. Mbappé, one of the standout players for Madrid, was positioned close to the ball, making it difficult to execute a traditional set-piece.
Nevertheless, Rice took a quick glance at the position of the wall and the goalkeeper, just as he had done before. He recognized the opportunity, and instead of going for a conventional cross or chip, he decided to go for the shot. The ball again sailed past the wall and beat Courtois for a second time, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. The Emirates erupted once more, as the Gunners found themselves with a 2-0 lead and one foot firmly in the semi-finals
Throughout the match, Arsenal’s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, was an integral part of the team’s preparations. As one of Mikel Arteta’s trusted assistants, Jover had worked tirelessly with the players to perfect their delivery from set-piece situations. However, despite the meticulous planning and regular drills, Declan Rice chose to ignore Jover’s instructions when it came to his free-kicks.
In the lead-up to his first goal, Rice explained how Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard had suggested a cross. Yet, Rice felt that the situation didn’t warrant such an approach. “It didn’t make sense to chip it like that,” he explained. Instead, he trusted his own judgment and decided to go for a direct shot. It was a decision that paid off handsomely.
In a similar vein, when preparing for his second free-kick, Rice revealed that there had been plans to touch and set the ball up for another player. However, with the Madrid defenders in close proximity, he took matters into his own hands and opted to shoot directly. It was a display of confidence and self-belief that ultimately proved to be the right choice.
While Rice’s individual brilliance was undeniable, it was the seven words from Bukayo Saka that truly made a difference. Saka’s simple but powerful instruction—“If you feel it, go for it”—provided Rice with the mental clarity and confidence to take matters into his own hands. In the heat of a Champions League quarter-final, where every decision matters, having a teammate who encourages you to trust your instincts can make all the difference.
Bukayo Saka, a player who has emerged as one of the most influential figures at Arsenal, has long been admired for his composure and maturity on the ball. His ability to remain calm under pressure and his tactical awareness have earned him widespread praise. But it was his unshakeable belief in his teammates that helped Rice unlock his full potential during that critical moment.
Saka’s message to Rice was not just about footballing technique; it was about mindset. It was about having the courage to take risks, to challenge oneself, and to rise to the occasion. By encouraging Rice to follow his instincts, Saka reminded him that sometimes the best decisions come from within, rather than from following a set script
With the scoreline at 2-0, Arsenal were in the driving seat, but there was still a significant task ahead in Madrid. Los Blancos, despite their wealth of experience and pedigree in the Champions League, found themselves facing an uphill battle. The Spanish giants would need to score at least three goals in the second leg to stand any chance of advancing to the semi-finals—a task that even manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted seemed unlikely.
“The chances are pretty slim but we have to try, and we’ll try and do it any way we can,” Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference. “Let’s see if we can pull it off. It feels as though there’s no chance after tonight, but things always change in football. Nobody expected Arsenal to score two free-kicks, but anything can happen.”
While Madrid prepared for the daunting task of overcoming Arsenal’s lead, the Gunners were basking in the glory of their comprehensive performance. The resilience and self-belief that Arsenal demonstrated were evident in every aspect of their play, from Rice’s free-kicks to the solid defensive displays and incisive attacking moves. The win had not only given them a crucial advantage but had also reinforced their growing status as a team capable of competing at the highest level of European football.
With a three-goal cushion, Arsenal head into the second leg in Madrid with the confidence that they can achieve something special. The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu will undoubtedly be charged, but the Gunners know that they have the firepower and resilience to see the job through.
For Declan Rice, his performance against Real Madrid marked a new chapter in his career. The two free-kicks were not only a testament to his technical ability but also his mental fortitude. And while the goals were undoubtedly significant, it was the words of Bukayo Saka that provided the catalyst for his confidence.
In football, moments like these—when a teammate’s words inspire a player to achieve the impossible—are what make the game so captivating. For Arsenal, and for Rice, the journey is far from over, but this victory, fueled by Saka’s encouragement and Rice’s belief in himself, could be the beginning of something truly special.
