Arsenal delivered a performance for the ages on Tuesday night, stunning 15-time European champions Real Madrid with a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in London. The match marked one of the most memorable nights in the club’s recent history, with Declan Rice emerging as the star of the show.

Manager Mikel Arteta praised the atmosphere created by the home crowd, stating, “This night is all about one or two factors, one of which is the atmosphere that we created. Playing with that energy, that commitment with your crowd makes a huge difference.” From the moment the players stepped onto the pitch, the stadium was alive with energy, creating an environment that Arteta described as unprecedented.

Rice scored two breathtaking free-kicks within a span of just 12 minutes, marking both his first goals from direct free-kicks in his professional career and Arsenal’s first since September 2021. “What are the odds?” Arteta mused. “To score two goals of that magnitude, of that quality, from the same player—a player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career—tonight, he’s done it.”

Rice’s remarkable display not only etched his name into Arsenal’s history but also placed him among an elite group of players. He became just the fourth Arsenal player to score from a direct free-kick in the Champions League. His first goal was particularly significant, being the first free-kick scored by Arsenal in a Champions League knockout stage match.

Reflecting on the night, Rice expressed his disbelief. “I don’t even know how to put it into words; it’s just been an unbelievable night,” he said. Fans echoed his sentiment, with many stating that they had never experienced an atmosphere quite like it since the stadium’s opening.

In addition to Rice’s heroics, Mikel Merino added a third goal late in the match, sealing Arsenal’s victory and leaving fans dreaming of a semi-final berth. The Gunners’ ability to dominate the reigning champions, despite a makeshift defense and a makeshift striker, speaks volumes about their resilience and determination this season.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had performed admirably throughout the match, lamented his team’s errors. “They are two unnecessary fouls, where there is no danger,” he said. Courtois acknowledged that the team needs to learn from their mistakes ahead of the second leg.