Declan Rice reveals what Bukayo Saka said that inspired his free-kick against Real Madrid

Declan Rice reveals what Bukayo Saka said that inspired his free-kick against Real Madrid

Declan Rice has credited teammate Bukayo Saka for inspiring his sensational free-kick goals during Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates as reported by The Independent.

 

 

Rice, who had never scored a direct free-kick at senior level, stunned fans with two expertly taken set-pieces in the second half, helping Arsenal take a commanding lead before Mikel Merino sealed the victory with a third goal late in the match.

 

Initially, the midfielder was set to deliver a cross, following instructions from captain Martin Odegaard and set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.

 

However, Rice made a last-minute decision after spotting an opportunity in Madrid’s defensive wall and recalled advice from Saka that gave him the confidence to go for goal.

 

 

“Originally we were going to cross it… then I’ve just seen the wall and the goalkeeper’s position. So I thought just go for it,” Rice said. “And Bukayo said to just feel it.”

 

Saka, returning from a hamstring injury, also impressed during the match, offering Arsenal a vital boost ahead of the crucial second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

 

Despite the emphatic result, Rice is keeping his focus on the task ahead, aware that Real Madrid remains a formidable opponent.

 

“We need to be ready for next week,” he added, acknowledging the challenge of playing at the Bernabéu.

 

With momentum on their side, Arsenal now prepare for the return leg with one foot in the semi-finals, aiming to finish what they started on home soil.

 

In a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid, one of the most talked-about moments came from an unlikely source—Declan Rice. The England international, better known for his midfield tenacity and defensive prowess, stunned fans and pundits alike when he stepped up to take a free-kick and curled it beautifully into the top corner. While the goal itself was spectacular, it was what Rice revealed after the match that truly captured hearts: a few motivating words from teammate Bukayo Saka had sparked his confidence and belief to take the shot.

 

Speaking in the post-match interview, Rice shared a moment from the team’s final training session before the game. “We were practicing set-pieces, and I just hit one for fun,” Rice said. “It flew into the top corner, and B [Bukayo Saka] shouted over, ‘You’ve got that in your locker, you know. Don’t be afraid to show it.’” Rice smiled as he recalled the moment. “It stuck with me. I kept thinking about it.”

 

Bukayo Saka, just 22, is already a key figure at Arsenal—not only for his on-pitch brilliance but also for his leadership and camaraderie off it. The young winger’s belief in Rice wasn’t just lip service. During the build-up to the game, Saka continued to encourage Rice to express himself more in attacking situations. That consistent support planted a seed of confidence in Rice’s mind.

 

Fast forward to the big night at the Santiago Bernabéu. Arsenal had a free-kick in the 25th minute from just outside the box, in what is usually a range reserved for set-piece specialists. With the likes of Martin Ødegaard and even Gabriel Jesus on the pitch, few expected Rice to step up. But with Saka giving him a subtle nod of encouragement, Rice took charge. The resulting strike was a thing of beauty—curling over the wall and dipping just under the bar, leaving the Real Madrid goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

 

The goal wasn’t just a technical masterclass; it symbolized something deeper within the Arsenal camp. It was a reflection of the team’s unity and belief in one another. “That’s the environment we’ve got here,” Rice added. “We push each other, we support each other. When a player like Bukayo tells you he believes in you, it gives you that extra 10 percent.”

 

Fans and football analysts have since praised the moment as one of the highlights of the match, not just for its aesthetic brilliance but also for what it represents—a culture of mutual trust and encouragement at Arsenal. It also raised eyebrows about Rice’s evolving role at the club. While he remains a midfield anchor, it’s now clear he has more in his arsenal (pun intended) than just breaking up play.

 

Ultimately, Rice’s goal might have been born on the training ground, but it was forged in the fires of belief—a belief lit by the words of a teammate who saw potential where others might not have looked. And that, perhaps, is what makes this Arsenal side so special.