Observant fans noticed Kylian Mbappe`s “nice” reaction to one of Declan Rice`s excellent free-kick goals in last night`s match.
The Arsenal midfielder impressively scored two goals from set-pieces, contributing to his team`s dominant 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Adding to Arsenal`s triumph, Mikel Merino scored a third goal, strengthening Arsenal`s position as they look ahead to the semi-finals against either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League titleholders with a record 15 wins, were visibly stunned by Arsenal`s performance, leaving them with a significant challenge for the return leg at the Bernabeu.
Despite the presence of stars like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid struggled to gain control of the match. Their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, appeared increasingly frustrated as Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal outmaneuvered them.
However, it was Real Madrid`s own player, Kylian Mbappe, who drew attention for his reaction to Rice`s second free-kick goal. The £105 million midfielder expertly curled the ball past the Real Madrid wall and into the top corner of the net.
This spectacular goal ignited fervent celebrations among Arsenal`s players and fans, while the Real Madrid team seemed further demoralized by the prospect of Champions League elimination.
Interestingly, Mbappe`s reaction suggested admiration for Rice`s skill. As he walked back towards the halfway line, Mbappe was seen acknowledging the quality of the goal with raised eyebrows and a nod.
Fans online quickly picked up on Mbappe`s reaction.
One fan commented, “It’s a nice reaction, just utterly stunned and in awe.” Another remarked, “Bro was taking notes in his mind,” while one more added, “He noticed it was a sweet free-kick,” and another stated, “He knew it was well hit.”
Move over Beckham, it`s Rice`s turn for free-kick mastery! Declan Rice delivered a set-piece masterclass, scoring his first career free-kicks against Real Madrid. He became the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in a single knockout stage game.
Despite Thibaut Courtois`s impressive double save in the first half, denying Rice and Martinelli, Rice broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a sensational free-kick. He then topped it with an even better free-kick for his second goal, and Mikel Merino sealed the victory with a third.
For his exceptional performance, Declan Rice received an unprecedented player rating.
